How to Pick an X-Ray Tech Degree Program near Naugatuck Connecticut

Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Naugatuck CT so you can become a radiology technologist. And now that you have decided to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you go about selecting the ideal school and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Most prospective students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifications also. For example, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology technician does and the credentials and training choices that are available.

Radiology Tech Work Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the identical major job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can practice in Naugatuck CT clinics, hospitals, family 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 have to take care of their equipment and also regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Naugatuck CT medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Offered

The primary requirement for attending an x-ray tech program is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, normally takes 18 months to two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable as well. One thing to consider is that Naugatuck CT radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Connecticut or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many accept additional alternatives for testing as well. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, many Naugatuck CT employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might 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 can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technologist Programs

As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a large portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually conducted in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Naugatuck CT home. Students who keep working while earning their degree often find that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are generally more affordable than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But just confirm that the online college you choose 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 right option for you.

Topics to Ask Radiographer Schools

Once you have selected the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of looking for and evaluating Naugatuck CT x-ray tech schools. You will also need to determine 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 school will be important. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important factor also. But along with location and cost, what more should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of xray tech colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to verify 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive review of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Naugatuck CT employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level positions.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the Connecticut xray technician colleges you are assessing have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to receive hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional connections in the Naugatuck CT healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Naugatuck CT healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the school they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Naugatuck CT home. Those who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Naugatuck CT colleges you are looking at what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech  program you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Naugatuck CT, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not just the private reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what characteristics and talents you possess that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, along with a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to organize several approaches about how you want to address them. Considering there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the abilities you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down some concepts and anecdotes that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Select the Best X-Ray Technician College near Naugatuck CT

Picking the right radiology tech college is an important first step toward initiating a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As has been addressed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at prior to making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each college so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Naugatuck CT.

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