Tag Archives: How to Become an X Ray Technician Southport CT 06490

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Southport CT 06490

How to Find a Radiology Tech Degree Program near Southport Connecticut

Southport CT x-ray tech internship programCongrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Southport CT in order to train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have decided to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you tackle picking the right college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And because most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you assess each of the schools you are considering in order to compare each program. Most prospective students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location must be considered, there are other critical qualifications as well. For example, you should find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Work Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the identical principal job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They can work in Southport CT 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 must maintain their equipment and also regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Southport CT health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Southport CTThe basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable also. Something to consider is that Southport CT radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can typically be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Connecticut or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many approve additional alternatives for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, many Southport CT employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it could increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technologist Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Southport 06490As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is typically conducted in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Southport CT residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are generally less costly than on-campus options. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just confirm that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the right option for you.

Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

Once you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of finding and evaluating Southport CT x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be an important variable as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of xray tech schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to confirm that the school and program 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it can also obtain 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 quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Southport CT health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level openings.

Are Internships Sponsored? Inquire if the Connecticut radiology tech schools you are reviewing have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the Southport CT health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Southport CT healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will have to be within travelling distance of their Southport CT residence. Students who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing 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 normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Southport CT colleges you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer  school you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Southport CT, make sure that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to review questions you may be asked. Among the things that recruiters often ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what qualities and abilities you have that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you must ready a number of strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Given that there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the strengths you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but write down a few concepts and topics that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Select the Best X-Ray Tech Program near Southport CT

Enrolling in the best radiology technician school is a crucial first step toward initiating a satisfying 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 workday and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best available patient care. As we have covered in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are reviewing before making your final decision. This is equally true whether you decide on an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the proper training and your motivation to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Southport CT.

Some Background on Southport Connecticut

Southport, Connecticut

Southport is a former borough in the town of Fairfield, Connecticut, and also a census-designated place. It is located along Long Island Sound between Mill River and Sasco Brook, where it borders Westport. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 1,585.[1] Settled in 1639, Southport center has been designated a local historic district since 1967, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 as the Southport Historic District.

The earliest recorded event in Southport's history was "The Great Swamp Fight" or "Fairfield Swamp Fight" of July 1637 (not to be confused with the later Great Swamp Fight of King Philip's War), an episode of the Pequot War in which English colonial forces led by John Mason and Roger Ludlow vanquished a band of about 80 to 100 Pequot Indians who had earlier fled from their home territory in the Mystic area and had taken refuge with about 200 Sasqua Indians who inhabited the area that is now Fairfield. The exact location of the battle is not known, but it is known to have been in the vicinity of Southport.[2]

In the eighteenth century, Mill River village, a part of Fairfield, was a small hamlet of a few houses and a wharf at the mouth of Fairfield's Mill River. Farm products from the surrounding area were shipped from Mill River's small harbor to ports in New York and beyond.[3]

By 1831 the village had changed its name to Southport and was a bustling commercial area with warehouses, churches, schools, stores and elegant houses. Before 1853, Southport had its own local government as a borough within the town of Fairfield.[4] Southport became a leading coastal port on Long Island Sound, its ships carrying produce and goods back and forth to New York City. A measure of Southport's success is the fact that throughout the 1800s it possessed the only two banks in town. However, competition from steamboats and the railroad took its toll on prosperity. Resourceful shippers teamed with local farmers and businessmen to keep the port going; the Southport onion, a high quality onion, was developed and grown on Fairfield's hills and shipped in Southport market boats, keeping the harbor profitable until the end of the century. In the 1890s, 100,000 barrels of locally grown onions, carrots, potatoes, and other goods were shipped annually from Southport harbor.[3]

Today, much of the old village area is part of a town historic district, first established in 1967, where buildings from three centuries are protected for future generations. The boundaries of the town historic district are the railroad on the north; the Mill River and Southport Harbor on the south; Church Street; and Old South Road and Rose Hill Road on the west and east, respectively, including all properties on both sides of the roads.[5] Strict historic zoning regulations apply in the district and have been upheld by the Connecticut Supreme Court.[5][6] The Southport Historic District is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

More Cities of Interest in Connecticut

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