Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near East Hartford CT 06108

How to Select an Xray Tech College near East Hartford Connecticut

East Hartford CT x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near East Hartford CT in order to become a radiology technologist. But now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you tackle picking the right school and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And because the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. A number of students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifiers also. For example, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

X-Ray Technician Occupation Summary

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical fundamental job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They can practice in East Hartford CT clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 regularly assess its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As East Hartford CT medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in East Hartford CT The standard requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, generally requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on 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 nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are appropriate also. One thing to consider is that East Hartford CT radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Connecticut or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several offer other alternatives for testing also. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous East Hartford CT employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technician Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in East Hartford 06108 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is usually provided in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training can be attended in the comfort of your East Hartford CT residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online style of education is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are generally cheaper than on-campus alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But just make certain that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the right choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

As soon as you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of locating and evaluating East Hartford CT x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be an important factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to verify that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of East Hartford CT health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level openings.

Are Internships Provided? Find out if the Connecticut xray technician colleges you are evaluating have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to obtain practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates form professional relationships in the East Hartford CT healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out 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 indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with East Hartford CT healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they pick will need to be within travelling distance of their East Hartford CT residence. Those who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something 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 need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the East Hartford CT colleges you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the x-ray tech college you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in East Hartford CT, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Become an X-Ray Tech?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not just the private reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what attributes and talents you have that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, in addition to a certain number of standard interview questions, so you need to ready several ideas about how you want to address them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the abilities you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down some ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Choose the Ideal Radiology Technician College near East Hartford CT

Selecting the best radiology technician college is a crucial first step toward beginning a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As has been addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are looking at before making your final selection. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the right training and your dedication to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiographer in East Hartford CT.

Some Background on East Hartford Connecticut

East Hartford, Connecticut

East Hartford is a town in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 51,252 at the 2010 census.[1]

The town is located on the east bank of the Connecticut River, directly across from Hartford, Connecticut. The town includes the neighborhoods of Burnside and Hockanum. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 18.7 square miles (48.5 km2), of which 18.0 square miles (46.6 km2) is land and 0.73 square miles (1.9 km2), or 3.93%, is water.[1]

When the Connecticut Valley became known to Europeans around 1631, it was inhabited by what were known as the River Tribes — a number of small clans of Native Americans living along the Great River and its tributaries. Of these tribes the Podunks occupied territory now lying in the towns of East Hartford and South Windsor, and numbered, by differing estimates, from sixty to two hundred bowmen. They were governed by two sachems, Waginacut and Arramamet, and were connected in some way with the Native Americans who lived across the Great River, in what is now Windsor. The region north of the Hockanum River was generally called Podunk; that south of the river, Hockanum; but these were no certain designations, and by some all the meadow along the Great River was called Hockanum.[2]

In 1659, Thomas Burnham (1617–1688) purchased the tract of land now covered by the towns of South Windsor and East Hartford from Tantinomo, chief sachem of the Podunk Indians.[2] Burnham lived on the land and later willed it to his nine children.[3] The town of Hartford once included the land now occupied by the towns of East Hartford, Manchester, Bolton, Vernon, and West Hartford. In 1783, East Hartford became a separate town, which included Manchester in its city limits until 1823.[2]

As of [4] 2010, there were 51,252 people, 20,206 households, and 12,830 families residing in the town. The population density was 3,200 people per square mile (1,250/km2). There were 21,328 housing units at an average density of 1,180.2 per square mile (455.8/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 38.4% non-Hispanic White, 25.9% Black or African American, 0.03% Native American, 5.9% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.3% from other races, and 1.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 28.3% of the population.