How to Become a Radiologic Technologist Purchase NY 10577 Archives

How to Select a Radiologic Tech School near Purchase New York

Purchase NY x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Purchase NY in order to train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have made a decision to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you go about choosing the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And because the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Most students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be taken into account, there are other critical qualifiers as well. For instance, you should ask 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 considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and training options that are available.

X-Ray Tech Work Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same major job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They can work in Purchase NY hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may utilize 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 and regularly analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Purchase NY medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Purchase NY The basic requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, generally requires 18 months to two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to consider is that Purchase NY radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may typically be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in New York or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several accept other options for testing also. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Purchase NY employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified 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 comprehensive 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 Technician Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Purchase 10577 As a part of any 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 programs. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a large amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is typically carried out in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online section of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Purchase NY residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to education is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less expensive than conventional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just confirm that the online program you select is accredited (more on the benefits 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 right option for you.

Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

When you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of finding and assessing Purchase NY x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to determine if you prefer 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 supplementary expenses will be a material factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you look at when comparing colleges? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? Most xray technician schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded 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 rigorous assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. 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 obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Purchase NY employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the New York radiology technician colleges you are assessing have partnerships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to receive practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help students and graduates form professional connections in the Purchase NY healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the radiographer schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Purchase NY healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Purchase NY 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 concern. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Purchase NY colleges you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech school you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Purchase NY, verify that they are available. 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 have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What made you select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not merely the private reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but also what attributes and talents you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of routine interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of strategies about how you want to address them. Since there are so many 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 profession interests you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down a few concepts and topics that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Pick the Right Radiology Technician School near Purchase NY

Choosing the best radiology technician school is an important first step toward initiating a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs often stand for the greater part of the day and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are assessing before making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiographer in Purchase NY.

Some Background on Purchase New York

Purchase, New York

Purchase is a hamlet in the town of Harrison, in Westchester County, New York. One myth explains that its name is derived from Harrison's purchase, where John Harrison was to be granted as much land as he could ride in one day.[1] Purchase is home to State University of New York at Purchase and Manhattanville College.

In 1967, 200 residents stated support for a plan to incorporate Purchase so corporations could not build in the community.[2] In response, officials from the Town of Harrison put forward plans to try to become a city in an attempt to stop Purchase from seceding from the Town of Harrison.[3]

There are many historic sites located in Purchase. The grave of Revolutionary War General Thomas Thomas is located on the grounds of SUNY Purchase. The grounds that SUNY Purchase now occupies was once Strathglass Farms, a dairy farm. The Quaker Friends Meeting house was founded in the 18th century. The original building fell victim to fire years ago and the present one is an accurate reconstruction. Before the headquarters of Pepsi was built, the Blind Brook Polo Club was located on that site. Amelia Earhart flew her plane from the polo grounds. Many colonial era homes and unspoiled natural woodlands have decreased in the last 30 years due to residential development. The Old Oaks Country Club, originally named 'Hill Crest', is a splendid mansion house built in the late 1880s by millionaire Trenor Luther Park and his wife Julia Catlin Park. Trenor Luther was a Harvard Graduate, who studied law, and a silk merchant. His father, Trenor William Park, funded the Panama Railway, ran for Vice President of the United States in 1864 and was involved with the California Gold Mines. Purchase is also known for being one of the richest areas in the country.

The Reid Hall, Manhattanville College was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.[4]

Mastercard's headquarters, Mastercard International Global Headquarters;[5][6][7]PepsiCo;[8]Atlas Air and its subsidiary Polar Air Cargo;[9][10] and Central National-Gottesman are headquartered in Purchase. Pernod Ricard has offices in Purchase.[11]