Schools for Radiologic Technologists Elmsford NY 10523 Archives

How to Find an X-Ray Tech School near Elmsford New York

Elmsford NY x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Elmsford NY so you can become a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you set about selecting the ideal school and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified professional? And since the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you research each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. Most students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost need to be considered, there are additional significant qualifiers also. For instance, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and training options that are offered.

Radiology Technician Job Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the identical fundamental job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Elmsford NY clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 care for their equipment plus regularly analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Elmsford NY health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Elmsford NY The basic requirement for attending a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to finish and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to consider is that Elmsford NY radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in New York or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing 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. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Elmsford NY employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technician Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Elmsford 10523 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still earn your degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is usually provided in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Elmsford NY home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are generally cheaper than traditional options. Along with lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just make sure that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the ideal choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

As soon as you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of locating and assessing Elmsford NY x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be critical. 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 consider when reviewing colleges? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of xray tech schools have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. Among 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 an extensive evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Elmsford NY employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the New York radiology tech colleges you are interested in have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to obtain practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help students and graduates establish professional connections in the Elmsford NY medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech programs 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 sizable networks and great relationships with Elmsford NY healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they decide on will need to be within driving distance of their Elmsford NY home. Those who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly 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 likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Elmsford NY colleges you are reviewing 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 decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech college you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Elmsford NY, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option 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 work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Be an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to review questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and skills you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare some ideas about how you want to answer them. Given that there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the abilities you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down some concepts and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Enroll in the Ideal Radiology Technician Program near Elmsford NY

Picking the right x-ray technician school is a critical first step toward initiating a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the working day and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As has been addressed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are assessing before making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the proper training and your commitment to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Elmsford NY.

Some Background on Elmsford New York

Elmsford, New York

Elmsford is a village in Westchester County, New York, United States. It is part of the New York metropolitan area. Roughly one mile square, the village is fully contained within the borders of the town of Greenburgh. As of the 2010 census, the population of Elmsford was 4,664.[2]

Elmsford was largely farmland throughout its early history. The construction of railroads in the late 19th century brought new prominence to the area, and in 1910 it was incorporated as a village.

The area was known from colonial times as "Storm's Bridge" and later, "Hall's Corners", names derived from the principal landowners of the times. In 1870, the growing village was officially renamed "Elmsford" in honor of a local landmark, a giant elm tree (since deceased). The names Elmsford and Storm's Bridge are reminders of the nearby Saw Mill River, which once had significant tributaries flowing through the village.

Revolutionary War hero Isaac Van Wart is buried at the colonial-era cemetery of the Dutch Reformed Church (Rte. 9A). In 1780, Van Wart and fellow militiamen John Paulding and David Williams captured the British spy Major John André, a crucial informant to Benedict Arnold. The village still has streets named for each of the three patriots.

A longstanding legend holds that Elmsford is the birthplace of the term "cocktail". According to the tale, a local colonial tavern (sometimes said to be established by town father Isaac Storm) had run out of wooden stirrers during the war and started using the quills of roosters' tailfeathers to stir their drinks; a more embellished version holds that the roosters were plundered from nearby Tory farmers.