Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Old Lyme CT 06371 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select an X-Ray Tech Program near Old Lyme Connecticut

Old Lyme CT x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Old Lyme CT in order to become a radiology technician. And now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you go about choosing the right school and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you might require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you research each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Most potential students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost must be taken into account, there are other significant qualifications also. For instance, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.

Radiology Technician Occupation Description

There are a number of 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, they all have the same major job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may practice in Old Lyme CT clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may utilize include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must maintain their equipment plus regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Old Lyme CT medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Old Lyme CT The primary prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech college 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 prevalent among technicians, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to keep in mind is that Old Lyme CT radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may typically be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Connecticut or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be employed you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number accept other alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Old Lyme CT employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it might improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technologist Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Old Lyme 06371 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 colleges. So while you can still earn your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is usually provided in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Old Lyme CT home. Students who keep working while earning their degree often discover that the online style of learning is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are frequently more affordable than conventional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just make sure that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the best option for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Programs

Once you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of looking for and assessing Old Lyme CT x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be an important factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology technician colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm that the school and program 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). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed examination of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Old Lyme CT employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the Connecticut xray technician programs you are assessing have partnerships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Old Lyme CT health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Old Lyme CT healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Old Lyme CT residence. Students who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to bear 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 might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Old Lyme CT colleges you are researching what the average student to teacher 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 converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech program you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Old Lyme CT, check 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 have to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.

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

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to review questions you could be asked. One of the things that interviewers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what attributes and talents you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of standard interview questions, so you must prepare a number of approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down several concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Select the Ideal Radiology Technician School near Old Lyme CT

Picking the appropriate radiology tech degree program is a crucial first step toward beginning a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the day and position and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines 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. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As has been covered in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are looking at before making your final decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each program so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the proper education and your commitment to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiographer in Old Lyme CT.

Some Background on Old Lyme Connecticut

Old Lyme, Connecticut

Old Lyme is a town in New London County, Connecticut, United States. The Main Street of the town, Lyme Street, is a historic district. The town has long been a popular summer resort and artists' colony. The town is named after Lyme Regis, England.

The US headquarters of Sennheiser is located in Old Lyme, as is Callaway Cars, the Florence Griswold Museum (including the Florence Griswold House), the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, and the Lyme Art Association. Old Lyme and its neighboring town Lyme are the namesake for Lyme disease.

The town of Old Lyme contains several villages, including Black Hall, Laysville, Lyme, Soundview, and South Lyme. The total population of the town was 7,603 at the 2010 census.[1]

Old Lyme is a community of about 7,600 permanent residents, in addition to several thousand seasonal vacationers who occupy a seaside community of summer residences. It is located on the east bank of the Connecticut River at its confluence with the Long Island Sound, across the river from Old Saybrook on the west bank. Numerous examples of Colonial and Federal architecture can be found throughout the town.

The town of Lyme was set off from Saybrook (now known as Deep River), which is on the west bank of the river mouth, on February 13, 1665. South Lyme was later incorporated from Lyme in 1855, then renamed Old Lyme in 1857 because it contains the oldest-settled portion of the "Lymes".[2] Old Lyme occupies about 27 square miles (70 km2) of shoreline, tidal marsh, inland wetlands and forested hills. Its neighbor to the north is the town of Lyme, and to the east is East Lyme. Other placenames from the same root are Hadlyme (between Lyme and East Haddam) and South Lyme (a beach resort area of Old Lyme). The placename "Lyme" derives from Lyme Regis, a small port on the coast of Dorset, England, from which it is believed the early settlers migrated in the 17th century.[3] The picturesque Old Lyme Cemetery contains the graves of the original settlers. The Duck River flows through the cemetery and into the Connecticut River at Watch Rock Park.