Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Nassau NY 12123 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick a Radiology Tech Program near Nassau New York

Nassau NY x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Nassau NY in order to train to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you undertake choosing the right school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And because the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. A number of prospective students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location must be considered, there are other important qualifications also. For example, you should ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and training choices that are available.

X-Ray Technician Work Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical major job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may practice in Nassau NY hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 maintain their equipment and routinely assess its performance and safety. They are also required to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Nassau NY health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Nassau NY The basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. 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, generally takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more expansive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate also. One thing to keep in mind is that Nassau NY radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from any 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 Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist program, based on the state where you will be working you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many provide other alternatives for testing also. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, numerous Nassau NY employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it could improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technologist Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Nassau 12123 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a large amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is usually provided in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Nassau NY residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually discover that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less expensive than on-campus alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But just make certain that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the ideal option for you.

Topics to Ask Radiographer Schools

Once you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of searching for and assessing Nassau NY x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology technician schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to make sure that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies 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 examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized 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 assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Nassau NY employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the New York radiology tech schools you are interested in have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to receive hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help students and graduates develop professional connections in the Nassau NY healthcare community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the radiographer programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Nassau NY healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they decide on will have to be within driving distance of their Nassau NY residence. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry 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 generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort 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 enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Nassau NY colleges you are considering what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on 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 opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the x-ray tech school you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Nassau NY, make certain that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not merely the personal reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but additionally what attributes and talents you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, as well as a certain number of standard interview questions, so you need to ready some strategies about how you would like to answer them. Considering there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the strengths you have 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 take down several concepts and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can help you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Select the Best X-Ray Tech School near Nassau NY

Enrolling in the best radiology technician college is an important first step toward beginning a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the day and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available patient care. As has been covered in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are assessing prior to making your final decision. This is just as 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 college so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiographer in Nassau NY.

Some Background on Nassau New York

Nassau County, New York

Nassau County /ˈnæsɔː/ or /ˈnæsaʊ/ is a suburban county comprising much of western Long Island in the U.S. state of New York. At the 2010 census, the county's population was 1,339,532, estimated to have increased to 1,361,500 in 2016.[1] The county seat is in the Village of Garden City within the boundaries of the Mineola 11501 zip code.[2][3][4]

Nassau County is directly east of New York City limits and therefore also within the New York metropolitan area. The county is one of the four counties that occupy Long Island, together with Suffolk County to its immediate east and Queens and Kings counties to the west, which correspond, respectively, to the New York City boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn. Two cities, three towns, 64 incorporated villages, and more than 60 unincorporated hamlets are located within the county. There are 56 public school districts within the county.[5] Post office districts and school districts use the same names as a city, hamlet, or village within them, but each sets the boundaries independently.[6]

In 2012, Forbes magazine, in an article based on the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, reported Nassau County was one of the highest income counties in the United States and the most affluent in the state of New York, comprising four of the nation's top ten towns by median income. It also ranks as the most expensive county in America.[7] Nassau County has a designated police department,[8]fire commission,[9] and elected executive and legislative bodies.[10] Nassau County high school students, as do students from nearby Westchester County, often feature prominently as winners of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair and similar STEM-based academic endeavors.[11]

The name of the county comes from an old name for Long Island, which was at one time named Nassau, after the Dutch Prince William of Nassau, a member of the House of Nassau, itself named for the German town of Nassau. The county colors (orange and blue) are also the colors of the House of Orange-Nassau.

Several alternate names had been considered for the county, including "Bryant", "Matinecock" (a village within the county currently has that name), "Norfolk" (presumably because of the proximity to Suffolk County), and "Sagamore".[12] However, "Nassau" had the historical advantage of having at one time been the name of Long Island itself,[13] and was the name most mentioned after the new county was proposed in 1875.[14][15][16]