Tag Archives: How to Become a Radiology Technician North Stonington CT 06359

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near North Stonington CT 06359

How to Find a Radiologic Tech School near North Stonington Connecticut

North Stonington CT x-ray tech internship programBest wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near North Stonington CT in order to train to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle choosing the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And since most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. A number of students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location must be considered, there are additional critical qualifications as well. For instance, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and training options that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Career Summary

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the identical primary job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They can work in North Stonington CT hospitals, clinics, private 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 must take care of their equipment and frequently analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As North Stonington CT medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in North Stonington CTThe basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech school 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 typical among technicians, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more extensive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that North Stonington CT radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can typically be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing requirements in Connecticut or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an Radiologist program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number accept other alternatives for testing also. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, many North Stonington CT employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in North Stonington 06359As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still earn your online degree, a significant 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 regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your North Stonington CT home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are frequently cheaper than on-campus 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 enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then online classes may be the ideal choice for you.

Points to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

As soon as you have selected the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing North Stonington CT x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining variable also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology tech schools have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of North Stonington CT employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Ask if the Connecticut radiology technician programs you are interested in have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to obtain practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the North Stonington CT healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with North Stonington CT healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they decide on will have to be within commuting distance of their North Stonington CT home. Students 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 importance. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the North Stonington CT colleges you are researching what the average student to teacher 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 a chance to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer  school you ultimately pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in North Stonington CT, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Become an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to consider questions you might be asked. Among the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the personal reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and abilities you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, in addition to a significant number of typical interview questions, so you must organize some ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down several concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Pick the Ideal Radiology Technician Program near North Stonington CT

Choosing the right radiology technician college is a critical first step toward starting a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the working day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show 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 techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As has been addressed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are assessing before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you decide on an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each program so you can focus your choices before making your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a x-ray tech in North Stonington CT.

Some Background on North Stonington Connecticut

Stonington, Connecticut

The town of Stonington is located in New London County, Connecticut, United States, in the state's southeastern corner. It includes the borough of Stonington, the villages of Pawcatuck, Lords Point, Wequetequock, and the eastern halves of the villages of Mystic and Old Mystic (the other halves being in the town of Groton). The population of the town was 18,545 at the 2010 census.[1]

The first European colonists established a trading house in the Pawcatuck section of town in 1649. The present territory of Stonington was part of lands that had belonged to the Pequot people, who referred to the areas making up Stonington as Pawcatuck (Stony Brook to the Pawcatuck River) and Mistack (Mystic River to Stony Brook). It was named "Souther Towne" or Southerton by Massachusetts in 1658, and officially became part of Connecticut in 1662 when Connecticut received its royal charter. Southerton was renamed "Mistick" in 1665[2]:26 and again renamed Stonington in 1666.[2]:36Thomas Miner, Walter Palmer, William Chesebrough, and Thomas Stanton were the founders. The town of North Stonington was set off as a parish from Stonington in 1724 and incorporated as a town in 1807.

Stonington first gained wealth in the 1790s when its harbor was home to a fleet engaged in the profitable sealing trade in which seals were hunted on islands off the Chilean and Patagonian coasts, and their skins were sold as fur in China.[3]

Stonington repulsed two British naval bombardments. One was a desultory bombardment during the American Revolution by Sir James Wallace in the frigate HMS Rose on August 30, 1775. The other was a more damaging three-day affair between August 9 and 12, 1814 during the War of 1812. British vessels HMS Ramillies, HMS Pactolus, HMS Dispatch, and HMS Terror under the command of Sir Thomas Hardy appeared offshore on August 9, 1814. The British demanded immediate surrender, but Stonington's citizens replied with a note that stated, "We shall defend the place to the last extremity; should it be destroyed, we shall perish in its ruins."[4] For three days, the Royal Navy pounded the town, but the only fatality was that of an elderly woman who was mortally ill. The British sailed off on 12 August after suffering many dead and wounded. American poet Philip Freneau wrote (in part):

The Stonington Harbor Light is a low stone building erected in 1823, and was the first lighthouse established by the U.S. federal government. In the 19th century, Stonington supported a small fishing, whaling, and sealing fleet, with some direct trade with the West Indies — enough in volume for it to be made a port of entry in 1842. The small granite Customs House faces Main Street just north of Cannon Square.

 

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