How to Select an X-Ray Tech School near Catskill New York
Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Catskill NY so you can become a radiology technologist. And now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about picking the right college and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. Many students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost need to be considered, there are additional critical qualifiers also. For example, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and training choices that are available.
X-Ray Technician Career Description
There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They can work in Catskill NY clinics, hospitals, 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 have to take care of their equipment and also frequently evaluate its performance and safety. They are also required to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Catskill NY medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Tech Degrees
The standard prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech college 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 techs, generally requires 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 four years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to bear in mind is that Catskill NY radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in New York or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be employed you may need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several accept other alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Catskill NY employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Technologist Colleges
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So although you can still earn your online degree, a considerable amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is often carried out in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Catskill NY home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically find that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are often cheaper than conventional options. Along with lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be lessened also. But just make sure that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the best option for you.
Points to Ask Radiology Tech Schools
After you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of finding and evaluating Catskill NY x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material variable as well. But along with location and cost, what else should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these important details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are considering.
Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? Most xray technician schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to make sure that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected 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 gone through a rigorous review of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it can also receive 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 guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Catskill NY employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.
Are Internships Offered? Find out if the New York xray technician colleges you are assessing have partnerships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to obtain 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 assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Catskill NY health care community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Catskill NY healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they decide on will need to be within travelling distance of their Catskill NY residence. Individuals 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. One thing to consider 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 normally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Catskill NY colleges you are reviewing 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 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 School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer college you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Catskill NY, make certain that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family obligations.
Why Did You Choose to Be a Radiology Technician?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to review questions you might be asked. One of the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not merely the private reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but additionally what qualities and talents you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, along with a significant number of typical interview questions, so you should organize several approaches about how you would like to address them. Given that there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down some concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.Pick the Ideal Radiology Tech Program near Catskill NY
Picking the right radiology tech degree program is a critical first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs typically stand for the greater part of the day and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology 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 pleasant work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As has been covered in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you participate in an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the right education and your commitment to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Catskill NY.
Some Background on Catskill New York
Catskill Mountains
The Catskill Mountains, also known as the Catskills, are a physiographic province of the larger Appalachian Mountains, located in southeastern New York. As a cultural and geographic region, the Catskills are generally defined as those areas close to or within the borders of the Catskill Park, a 700,000-acre (2,800 km2) forest preserve forever protected from many forms of development under New York state law.
Geologically, the Catskills are a mature dissected plateau, a once-flat region subsequently uplifted and eroded into sharp relief by watercourses. The Catskills form the northeastern end of the Allegheny Plateau (also known as the Appalachian Plateau).[1][2]
The Catskills are well known in American culture, both as the setting for many 19th-century Hudson River School paintings and as the favored destination for vacationers from New York City in the mid-20th century. The region's many large resorts gave countless young stand-up comedians an opportunity to hone their craft. In addition, the Catskills have long been a haven for artists, musicians, and writers, especially in and around the towns of Phoenicia and Woodstock.
Nicolaes Visscher I's 1656 map of New Netherland located the Landt van Kats Kill at the mouth of Catskill creek. The region to the south is identified as Hooge Landt van Esopus (High Lands of the Esopus), a reference to a local band of northern Lenape Native Americans who inhabited the banks of the Hudson and hunted in the highlands along the Esopus Creek.[3]
While the meaning of the name ("cat creek" in Dutch) and the namer (early Dutch explorers) are settled matters, how and why the area is named "Catskills" is a mystery. Mountain lions (catamounts) were known to have been in the area when the Dutch arrived in the 17th century and may have been a reason for the name.[4]
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