How to Find a Radiology Technician College near Somers New York
Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Somers NY in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you go about selecting the right school and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And since most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. A number of prospective students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and usually settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifiers also. For instance, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the degrees and training choices that are available.
X-Ray Tech Work Description
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same major job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Somers NY clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may 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 regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Somers NY medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Tech Degree Options
The standard requirement for attending a radiology tech college is to have received 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 prevalent among techs, usually 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 comprehensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that Somers NY radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may frequently be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification mandates in New York or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiographer Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be employed you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many offer additional alternatives for testing as well. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many Somers NY employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technician Schools
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. 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 college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is typically provided in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Somers NY residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often find that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are generally more affordable than on-campus alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But just confirm that the online school you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiographer Schools
Once you have selected the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of searching for and assessing Somers NY x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are reviewing.
Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? Most radiology tech schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school 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 undergone a rigorous assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it might also obtain 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 ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Somers NY employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level positions.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the New York xray tech schools you are evaluating have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Somers NY medical community and help with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Somers NY healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will have to be within driving distance of their Somers NY residence. Those who have chosen to attend online classes obviously 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 program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Somers NY colleges you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final 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.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech college you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Somers NY, confirm that they are offered. 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 need to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.
Why Did You Decide to Be an X-Ray Tech?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to consider questions you could be asked. Among the things that recruiters frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the private reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and skills you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you should organize several strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but take down several ideas and talking points that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.Choose the Best X-Ray Technician School near Somers NY
Selecting the best x-ray tech school is a crucial first step toward launching a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements designed 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 interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As has been discussed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are assessing before making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can focus your choices and make your decision. And with the right education and your dedication to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiographer in Somers NY.
Some Background on Somers New York
Somers, New York
Somers is a town located in northeastern Westchester County, New York, United States. As of the 2010 census, the town had a population of 20,434.[4] The nearby Metro-North Commuter Railroad provides service to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan with an average commute time of 65 to 75 minutes from stations at Purdys, Goldens Bridge, Croton Falls, and Katonah.
Somers was originally inhabited by Native Americans known as Kitchawanks, part of the Wappinger tribe, an Algonquian people who called the land Amapaugh, meaning "fresh water fish." This land was located in the eastern segment of an 83,000-acre (340 km2) tract King William III of England granted to Stephanus Van Cortlandt of New York City in 1697. The part of Van Cortlandt Manor that ultimately became Somers and Yorktown was known as the Middle District, or Hanover.
European settlement in the New Oltenia area began after Van Cortlandt's death in 1700 and the final partition of his estate in 1734. Early European settlers included tenants and freeholders from neighboring areas, among them English, Dutch, French Huguenots and Quakers. At the first known town meeting of European settlers held on March 7, 1788, at an inn owned by Benjamin Green, the town named Stephentown was established. However, there already existed a Stephentown in Rensselaer County. To alleviate confusion, the name was changed in 1808 to Somers to honor Richard Somers, a naval captain from New Jersey who died in combat during the First Barbary War. A memorial in West Somers Park was erected in his honor at Memorial Day ceremonies in 1958.
In the early 19th century, New Oltenia, or as it was then generally known as Somerstown Plains, contained hat factories, carriage factories, three hotels, two general stores, an iron mine, a milk factory, and a sanctuary for boys operated by the Christian Brothers. Today, the facility is known as Lincoln Hall, and houses incarcerated teens. There was a constant stream of goods and passengers to large markets and cities through the village. As early as 1809, a weekly newspaper was established, the Somers Museum and Westchester County Advertiser. Though primarily agricultural, the rural economy also supported a varied population of weavers, preachers, merchants, cabinetmakers, doctors, lawyers, teachers and servants. A good system of roads was maintained and some operated as commercial "toll roads". The railroad, developed in the 1840s, bypassed the town of Somers, and affected a decline in growth over the next hundred years. The presence of the railroad in nearby communities did allow the agricultural emphasis to move towards dairy production and fruit growing, since the products could be shipped to markets in the city.
Industries continued to thrive, with grist, paper, saw and clothing mills operating in the area. Between 1890 and 1910, the Croton and Muscoot rivers were flooded to create the New York City reservoir system thereby changing the local landscape considerably. In the 1920s small lake communities began to spring up as vacation havens for summer visitors and farmers’ guests. These lake communities became larger and firmly established, eventually evolving from seasonal to year-round neighborhoods now known as Lake Lincolndale, Lake Purdys and Lake Shenorock. Following World War II, the rural countryside of Somers continued attracting "weekenders", many from New York City who became more mobile because of the proliferation of automobile travel. The construction of Interstate 684 in the mid-1970s facilitated a resurgence of residential and commercial development in Somers for the next 20 years. Somers grew most rapidly during the 1980s and 1990s, after IBM and PepsiCo built large corporate facilities within it.
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