Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Glenmont NY 12077 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an Xray Tech Program near Glenmont New York

Glenmont NY x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Glenmont NY in order to train to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you tackle picking the ideal school and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And because most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Most students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifications also. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Career Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical principal job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They may practice in Glenmont NY hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might utilize 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 plus frequently evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Glenmont NY medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Glenmont NY The primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, generally takes 18 months to two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that Glenmont NY radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may typically be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in New York or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be employed you may need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several provide other alternatives for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, many Glenmont NY employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance 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 examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Tech Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Glenmont 12077 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a large amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Glenmont NY home. Students who continue working while earning their degree often find that the online approach to education is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are generally more affordable than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But just make certain that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then online classes may be the best choice for you.

What to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

Once you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and evaluating Glenmont NY x-ray tech schools. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? A large number of radiology technician colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to verify that the program and school 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). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Glenmont NY employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level positions.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the New York radiology technician programs you are reviewing have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to obtain practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help students and graduates develop professional connections in the Glenmont NY healthcare community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the radiographer programs you are interviewing 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 Glenmont NY healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Glenmont NY home. Students who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually 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.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Glenmont NY schools you are researching what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer program you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Glenmont NY, confirm that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need 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 obligations.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to review questions you could be asked. One of the things that hiring managers often ask radiographer candidates is "What made you choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what characteristics and talents you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you need to ready some strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down several ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Select the Best X-Ray Tech College near Glenmont NY

Selecting the appropriate x-ray tech degree program is an important first step toward starting a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements 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 productive work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As we have addressed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the right education and your dedication to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Glenmont NY.

Some Background on Glenmont New York

Glenmont, New York

Glenmont is a hamlet in the town of Bethlehem, Albany County, New York. Glenmont is in the northeastern corner of the town and is a suburb of the neighboring city of Albany. It was once accessible from the Hudson River by way of several docks but the river's channels have since been filled in.

Glenmont dates back to the founding of the first hotel in Bethlehem, The Abbey Hotel, built in the early 18th century. The Abbey was built by Hugh Jolley who came to the Capital District from Galway in 1772. East of the hotel along the Hudson's shores was a racing track. The hotel was situated halfway between Albany and Van Wie('s) Point. Both Van Wie and The Abbey were important stops along the Hudson River for passengers traveling by boat (and later steamboat) from New York City to Albany. In 1804 the Albany and Bethlehem Turnpike's lower leg traveled from Kenwood south to The Abbey. The hotel was demolished in the 1960s.[2]