Tag Archives: How to Become a Radiology Technician Portland CT 06480

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Portland CT 06480

How to Select a Radiology Tech Program near Portland Connecticut

Portland CT x-ray tech internship programCongratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Portland CT so you can train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you go about choosing the ideal college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Most students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be taken into consideration, there are other critical qualifications as well. For instance, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.

Radiology Tech Job Summary

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical principal job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They can work in Portland CT 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 have to care for their equipment and frequently analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Portland CT health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Portland CTThe standard prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, generally takes 18 months to two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Portland CT radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component 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 region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Connecticut or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, based on the state where you will be employed you may need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so contact your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number provide other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Portland CT employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Tech Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Portland 06480As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree programs. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a large portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually provided in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Portland CT home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually discover that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less costly than on-campus alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be reduced also. But just make certain that the online program you choose 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 degree may be the ideal option for you.

Points to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

After you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of searching for and assessing Portland CT x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be an important variable as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? A large number of radiology technician colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed review of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance 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 quality education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Portland CT employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level openings.

Are Internships Provided? Ask if the Connecticut radiology technician schools you are evaluating have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help students and graduates form professional connections in the Portland CT healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the radiographer programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Portland CT healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they decide on will need to be within travelling distance of their Portland CT 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 area internships will be of importance. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even 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 typically charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Portland CT schools you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer  program you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Portland CT, make certain that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Be an Xray Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to review questions you may be asked. Among the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must organize some approaches about how you would like to address them. Because there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the talents you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down a few ideas and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can help you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Pick the Ideal X-Ray Tech Program near Portland CT

Selecting the right x-ray tech degree program is an important first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the day and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you opt for an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Portland CT.

Some Background on Portland Connecticut

Portland, Connecticut

Portland is a town in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 8,732 at the 2000 census. The town center is listed as a census-designated place (CDP). It is situated across the Connecticut River from Middletown. Brownstone quarried in Portland was used in the construction of Hartford's Old State House in 1796. The vast majority of the brownstone buildings in Connecticut (see College Row at Wesleyan University and the Long Walk at Trinity College) as well as the famous brownstones in New York City were built with brownstone from Portland's quarries.

About half of the town's perimeter is made up of the Connecticut River. The town has eight marinas and boat clubs as well as three 18-hole golf courses.[1]

The Wangunk tribe lived in the area prior to European settlement, and lived in Portland continuously throughout the settler period. Wangunk descendants still live in the area today. Their name referred to the bend in the Connecticut River which curves around half of the town's perimeter.[1]

The first European settlers came to Portland in the 1690s. They were attracted by brownstone, which was used both for construction and for gravestones. Proximity to the river meant that the stone could be transported far and wide, and the Portland brownstone quarries supplied to New York, Boston and even San Francisco, Canada and England. By the 1850s, more than 1,500 people were employed in the quarry industry. More than 25 ships transported the stone. By the 1850s, shipbuilding became more important as an industry, and the economic center of town shifted toward the Gildersleeve area. Immigrants from Ireland, then Sweden, then (to a lesser extent) Italy came to town to work the quarries.[1]

It originally was part of Middletown and then known as East Middletown. In 1767, Chatham, which then included Portland and East Hampton, was founded.[2]

 

More Cities of Interest in Connecticut

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