Schools for Radiology Techs Newport RI 02840 Archives - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose a Radiology Tech School near Newport Rhode Island

Newport RI x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Newport RI in order to train to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle picking the ideal college and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And since most states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Many students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are other important qualifications also. For example, you must ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology technician does and the credentials and education options that are available.

Radiology Tech Occupation Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the same primary job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They may practice in Newport RI hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 and also frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Newport RI health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Newport RI The standard requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, generally takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Newport RI radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may typically be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Rhode Island or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several offer additional options for testing also. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Newport RI employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it could increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Newport 02840 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a significant amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is typically performed in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Newport RI residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online approach to education is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are often more affordable than on-campus options. In addition to lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online college you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the best option for you.

What to Ask Radiology Tech Programs

Once you have decided on the type of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of searching for and evaluating Newport RI x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining variable as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you look at when comparing schools? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are considering.

Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology technician colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to confirm 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). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive review of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it might 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 guaranteeing a premium 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 licensing and certification as required. And a number of Newport RI employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the Rhode Island radiology technician programs you are assessing have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to obtain hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Newport RI health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Newport RI healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they choose will need to be within travelling distance of their Newport RI residence. Those who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to keep in mind 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 normally 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.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Newport RI schools you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech college you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Newport RI, check that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to review questions you might be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers typically ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what qualities and skills you have that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you must ready a number of strategies about how you would like to answer them. Since there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the abilities you possess 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 jot down a few ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Pick the Best X-Ray Technician School near Newport RI

Selecting the appropriate x-ray tech school is a critical first step toward starting a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As has been covered in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are looking at before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each program so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the proper training and your motivation to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Newport RI.

Some Background on Newport Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is a seaside city on Aquidneck Island[4] in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States. The City of Newport is located approximately 37 miles (60 km) southeast of Providence, 21 miles (34 km) south of Fall River, and 74 miles (119 km) south of Boston. It is known as a New England summer resort and is famous for its mansions. It is also the home of Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport, which houses the United States Naval War College, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, and a major United States Navy training center. It was a major 18th-century port city and also contains a high number of surviving buildings from the colonial era of the United States.[5]

The city is the county seat of Newport County, which has no governmental functions other than court administrative and sheriff corrections boundaries. It was known for being the city of some of the "Summer White Houses" during the administrations of Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy. The population was 24,027 as of 2013.

Newport was founded in 1639 on Aquidneck Island, which was called Rhode Island at the time. Its eight founders and first officers were Nicholas Easton, William Coddington, John Clarke, John Coggeshall, William Brenton, Jeremy Clark, Thomas Hazard, and Henry Bull. Many of these people had been part of the settlement at Portsmouth, along with Anne Hutchinson and her followers. They separated within a year of that settlement, however, and Coddington and others began the settlement of Newport on the southern side of the island.

Newport grew to be the largest of the four original settlements which became the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, which also included Providence Plantations and Shawomett. Many of the first colonists in Newport became Baptists, and the second Baptist congregation in Rhode Island was formed in 1640 under the leadership of John Clarke. In 1658, a group of Jews were welcomed to settle in Newport; they were fleeing the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal but had not been permitted to settle elsewhere. The Newport congregation is now referred to as Congregation Jeshuat Israel and is the second-oldest Jewish congregation in the United States. It meets in Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the United States.

The Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations received its royal charter in 1663, and Benedict Arnold was elected as its first governor at Newport. The Old Colony House served as a seat of Rhode Island's government upon its completion in 1741 at the head of Washington Square, until the current Rhode Island State House in Providence was completed in 1904 and Providence became the state's sole capital city. Newport became the most important port in colonial Rhode Island, and a public school was established in 1640.