How to Find an X-Ray Technician Program in New Jersey
Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school in New Jersey so you can learn to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you undertake picking the right college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And since the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you research each of the schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. Most prospective students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are additional critical qualifications as well. For example, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and training options that are available.
X-Ray Technician Work Summary
There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the identical fundamental job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in New Jersey hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might 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 frequently evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As New Jersey medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered
The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech school 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 common among technicians, generally takes 18 months to two years to finish 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 scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that New Jersey radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing mandates in New Jersey or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many accept other options for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, numerous New Jersey employers would rather 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 in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technologist Classes
As a component of any degree program, New Jersey x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is often carried out in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your New Jersey residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually find that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less costly than on-campus options. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be reduced as well. But just make sure that the online program you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the best option for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges
When you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing New Jersey x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material factor as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are reviewing.
Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of xray technician schools have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program 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). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous New Jersey health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level openings.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the New Jersey radiology tech colleges you are evaluating have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to receive hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the New Jersey health care community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with New Jersey healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they choose will have to be within driving distance of their New Jersey home. Those who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly 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 sort of student that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the New Jersey 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 final decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer college you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in New Jersey, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Pick the Best Radiology Technician School in New Jersey
Selecting the ideal x-ray tech college is a crucial first step toward beginning a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As we have addressed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing before making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the right education and your dedication to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in New Jersey.