Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Auburn NY 13021 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiologic Technician School near Auburn New York

Auburn NY x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Auburn NY in order to learn to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about picking the right school and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Many students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be taken into account, there are other critical qualifiers also. For example, you must ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

Radiology Technician Career Summary

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the same fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Auburn NY hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might work with include:

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

Radiographers have to care for their equipment and also frequently evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Auburn NY medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Auburn NY The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech program is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, usually requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to keep in mind is that Auburn NY radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in New York or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be practicing you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many accept additional alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Auburn NY employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it may improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Auburn 13021 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still earn your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be satisfied 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 schools. However the online section of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Auburn NY residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online style of learning is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are generally less costly than conventional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But just confirm that the online program you pick 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 an online school may be the right choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

When you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of finding and evaluating Auburn NY x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of xray tech schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to make sure that the school and program 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 gone through an extensive assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Auburn NY employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the New York xray tech colleges you are evaluating have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help students and graduates form professional relationships in the Auburn NY health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Auburn NY healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they choose will need to be within commuting distance of their Auburn NY residence. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school 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 don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Auburn NY colleges you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer program you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Auburn NY, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What made you select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what qualities and skills you have that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you need to ready some strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down a few ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Choose the Best X-Ray Tech School near Auburn NY

Enrolling in the ideal x-ray technician college is a critical first step toward launching a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the working day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As has been addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are considering prior to making your final selection. This is just as true whether you participate in an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices and make your decision. And with the proper training and your dedication to succeed, you can realize your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Auburn NY.

Some Background on Auburn New York

Auburn, New York

Auburn is a city in Cayuga County, New York, United States, located at the north end of Owasco Lake, one of the Finger Lakes, in Central New York. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 27,687.[4] It is the county seat of Cayuga County,[5] and the site of the maximum-security Auburn Correctional Facility, as well as the William H. Seward House Museum and the house of abolitionist Harriet Tubman.

The region around Auburn had been Haudenosaunee territory for centuries before European contact and historical records.

Auburn was founded in 1793, during the post-Revolutionary period of settlement of western New York. The founder, John L. Hardenbergh, was a veteran of the Sullivan-Clinton campaign against the Iroquois during the American Revolution. Hardenbergh settled in the vicinity of the Owasco River with his infant daughter and two African-American slaves, Harry and Kate Freeman. After his death in 1806, Hardenbergh was buried in Auburn's North Street Cemetery, and was re-interred in 1852 in Fort Hill Cemetery – the first burial in the city's newly opened burial ground. The community grew up around Hardenbergh's gristmill and sawmill.[6]

Originally known as Hardenbergh's Corners in the town of Aurelius, the settlement was renamed Auburn in 1805 when it became the county seat.[7] It became an incorporated village in 1815, and was chartered as a city in 1848. It was only a few miles from the Erie Canal, which opened in 1825 and allowed local factories to inexpensively ship goods north or south. In 1871, the Southern Central Railroad, financed by the Lehigh Valley Railroad, completed a line primarily to carry coal from Athens, Pennsylvania, through Auburn to wharves on Lake Ontario at Fair Haven.[8]

From 1818 to 1939, Auburn was home to Auburn Theological Seminary, once one of the preeminent theological seminaries in the United States. In 1939, facing financial difficulties as a result of the Great Depression, the seminary moved to the campus of Union Theological Seminary in New York City. The only building from the Auburn Theological Seminary that stands today is Willard Memorial Chapel and the adjacent Welch Memorial Hall on Nelson Street, designed by Andrew Jackson Warner of Rochester, with stained-glass windows and interior decoration by Louis Comfort Tiffany. It is the only complete and unaltered Tiffany chapel interior known to exist.