Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Glen Oaks NY 11004 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an Xray Tech Degree Program near Glen Oaks New York

Glen Oaks NY x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Glen Oaks NY in order to learn to be a radiology technician. And now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about choosing the ideal college and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And because the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you research each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Most students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifiers as well. For instance, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and education options that are offered.

Radiology Tech Work Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have 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 might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They can practice in Glen Oaks NY hospitals, clinics, private 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 have to maintain their equipment and also regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Glen Oaks NY medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Glen Oaks NY The basic requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have attained 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 technicians, normally takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable also. Something to keep in mind is that Glen Oaks NY radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification requirements in New York or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, depending on the state where you will be employed you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several provide additional alternatives for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Glen Oaks NY employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Glen Oaks 11004 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is typically provided in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Glen Oaks NY residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually discover that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are often less costly than traditional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just make certain that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.

Points to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

After you have chosen the type of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of locating and assessing Glen Oaks NY x-ray tech schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and ancillary expenses will be an important factor as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? Most xray technician schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Glen Oaks NY employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level openings.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the New York radiology technician colleges you are evaluating have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional connections in the Glen Oaks NY healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the radiographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Glen Oaks NY healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Glen Oaks NY home. Individuals who have opted 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 importance. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Glen Oaks NY schools you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. 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 also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech school you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Glen Oaks NY, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you should ready a number of ideas about how you would like to answer them. Because there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the abilities you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down several concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Choose the Ideal Radiology Tech Program near Glen Oaks NY

Selecting the appropriate radiology tech degree program is a critical first step toward launching a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs often stand for the greater part of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As has been discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are looking at prior to making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the proper training and your dedication to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiographer in Glen Oaks NY.

Some Background on Glen Oaks New York

Glen Oaks, Queens

Coordinates: 40°44′52″N 73°42′46″W / 40.747808°N 73.71268°W / 40.747808; -73.71268

Glen Oaks is a neighborhood in the easternmost portion of the New York City Borough of Queens. The neighborhood is part of Queens Community Board 13.[1]

Glen Oaks lies between Grand Central Parkway and Nassau County to the north, Union Turnpike to the south, the Queens/Nassau border (Lakeville Road) to the east, and the Cross Island Parkway to the west. In this area, the Queens/Nassau border separates New York City from the Village of Lake Success to the north. The Queens/Nassau border is referred to locally as "the city line" and is so designated on New York City buses. Union Turnpike is the main commercial road in the area.

The northern edge of Glen Oaks is a line of hills which are part of the terminal moraine of the last glacial period. These hills include the highest point in Queens: 258.2 feet (78.7 m) above sea level.[2] The southern part of Glen Oaks is a glacial outwash plain.[citation needed]

The postal ZIP code zones for this area do not follow political boundaries, even crossing the city line. The easternmost part of the neighborhood is in the 11040 zip code, addressed as New Hyde Park. The northernmost part of the neighborhood—the North Shore Towers complex—is in the 11005 zip code, addressed as Floral Park. The portion of the neighborhood west of Little Neck Parkway—other than the Queens County Farm Museum—is in the 11426 zip code, addressed as Bellerose. Finally, the central part of the neighborhood is in the 11004 zip code, which may be addressed as either Glen Oaks or Floral Park. Since the zip codes cross the city line, they cannot be used as the sole means to determine sales tax rates. This has caused problems for area residents.[3]