Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Unionville CT 06085 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an Xray Tech School near Unionville Connecticut

Unionville CT x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Unionville CT in order to train to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you undertake selecting the ideal college and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And since most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Most prospective students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are additional critical qualifications also. For example, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and training choices that are available.

Radiology Technician Work Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the same major job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They may work in Unionville CT clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 maintain their equipment plus routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Unionville CT health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Unionville CT The basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that Unionville CT radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may frequently be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Connecticut or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be practicing you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number approve other alternatives for testing also. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Unionville CT employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Unionville 06085 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So while you can still earn your online degree, a large portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually conducted in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Unionville CT home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually discover that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are often cheaper than on-campus alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be lessened as well. But just confirm that the online program 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 online classes may be the ideal option for you.

Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges

After you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and evaluating Unionville CT x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining variable also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when evaluating colleges? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these important details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? Most radiology tech schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative 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 assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged 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 frequently not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Unionville CT health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the Connecticut xray technician programs you are reviewing have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to obtain practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the Unionville CT health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish 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 assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Unionville CT healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Unionville CT home. Students who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble 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 college 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 for those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Unionville CT schools you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer college you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Unionville CT, make certain that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. 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 Want to Be an X-Ray Tech?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to review questions you might be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the personal reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but also what characteristics and abilities you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, along with a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to organize some strategies about how you want to address them. Since there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the abilities you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down several concepts and topics that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can help you to prepare your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Enroll in the Ideal Radiology Tech School near Unionville CT

Choosing the ideal radiology tech college is a critical first step toward starting a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed 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 good work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As has been addressed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are assessing 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 assess and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices and make your decision. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Unionville CT.

Some Background on Unionville Connecticut

Farmington, Connecticut

Farmington is a town in Hartford County in the Farmington Valley area of central Connecticut in the United States. The population was 25,340 at the 2010 census.[2] It is home to the world headquarters of several large corporations including Carrier Corporation, Otis Elevator Company, and Carvel.

Farmington was originally inhabited by the Tunxis Indian tribe. In 1640, a community of English immigrants was established by residents of Hartford, making Farmington the oldest inland settlement west of the Connecticut River and the twelfth oldest communities in the state. Settlers found the area ideal because of its rich soil, location along the floodplain of the Farmington River, and valley geography.

The town and river were given their present names in 1645, which is considered the incorporation year of the town. The town's boundaries were later enlarged several times, making it the largest in the Connecticut Colony. The town was named after Farmington, in England.[3]

Farmington has been called the "mother of towns" because its vast area was divided to produce nine other central Connecticut communities. The borough of Unionville, in Farmington's northwest corner, was once home to many factories harnessing the water power of the Farmington River.

Farmington is steeped in New England history. Main Street, in the historic village section, is lined with colonial estates, some of which date back to the 17th century. During the Revolutionary War, George Washington passed through Farmington on several occasions and referred to the town as "the village of pretty houses."[4] In addition, French troops under General Rochambeau encamped in Farmington en route to Westchester County to offer crucial support to General Washington's army.