Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Troy NY 12179 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an X-Ray Technician School near Troy New York

Troy NY x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Troy NY so you can become a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you set about choosing the right school and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And because the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you research each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. Many students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be taken into account, there are other important qualifiers as well. For example, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.

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X-Ray Tech Work Description

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the identical primary job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They may practice in Troy NY clinics, hospitals, 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 have to take care of their equipment and frequently analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Troy NY health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Troy NY The basic prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, usually requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to finish and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate also. Something to consider is that Troy NY radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many colleges 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 certification or licensing requirements in New York or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several accept additional options for testing as well. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Troy NY employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it could increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technologist Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Troy 12179 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So while you can still earn your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is often conducted in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Troy NY residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are generally less costly than conventional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be decreased 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 best choice for you.

Topics to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

After you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of looking for and evaluating Troy NY x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a nearby 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 a determining factor also. But along with location and cost, what more should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? Most radiology technician schools have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to verify that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed review of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it can also earn 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 ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Troy NY health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level openings.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the New York radiology technician schools you are interested in have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to obtain hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the Troy NY healthcare community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Troy NY healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the school they decide on will have to be within driving distance of their Troy NY residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online naturally 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 college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Troy NY colleges you are looking at what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the x-ray tech college you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Troy NY, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to consider questions you may be asked. Among the questions that interviewers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not merely the private reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what characteristics and skills you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of general interview questions, so you must organize several ideas about how you want to answer them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but write down a few ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Enroll in the Best X-Ray Technician College near Troy NY

Picking the right x-ray tech college is a crucial first step toward initiating a satisfying 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 workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best available patient care. As has been covered in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are assessing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you decide on an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can focus your choices before making your final choice. And with the right training and your motivation to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Troy NY.

Some Background on Troy New York

Troy, New York

Troy is a city in the U.S. state of New York and the seat of Rensselaer County. The city is located on the western edge of Rensselaer County and on the eastern bank of the Hudson River. Troy has close ties to the nearby cities of Albany and Schenectady, forming a region popularly called the Capital District. The city is one of the three major centers for the Albany Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which has a population of 1,170,483. At the 2010 census, the population of Troy was 50,129. Troy's motto is Ilium fuit. Troja est, which means "Ilium was, Troy is".[3]

Today, Troy is home to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the oldest private engineering and technical university in the USA founded in 1824. Due to the confluence of major waterways and a geography that supported water power, the American industrial revolution took hold in this area making Troy reputedly the fourth wealthiest city in America around the turn of the 19th/20th century. Troy, therefore, is noted for a wealth of Victorian architecture downtown and elaborate private homes in various neighborhoods. Several churches boast a concentrated collection of stained glass windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Troy is also home to the world renowned "Troy Music Hall", formerly "Troy Savings Bank Music Hall" dating from the 1870s, which is said to have superb acoustics in a combination of restored and well preserved performance space.

The area had long been occupied by the Mahican Indian tribe, but Dutch settlement began in the mid 17th century. The patroon Kiliaen van Rensselaer called the region Pafraets Dael, after his mother. The Dutch colony was conquered by the English in 1664, and in 1707 Derick Van der Heyden purchased a farm near today's downtown area. In 1771, Abraham Lansing had his farm in today's Lansingburgh laid out into lots. Sixteen years later, Van der Heyden's grandson Jacob had his extensive holdings surveyed and laid out into lots, naming the new village Vanderheyden.

In 1789, Troy adopted its present name following a vote of the people. Troy was incorporated as a town two years later and extended east across the county to the Vermont line, including Petersburgh. In 1796, Troy became a village and in 1816, it became a city. Lansingburgh, to the north, became part of Troy in 1900.

Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the Mohican Indians had a number of settlements along the Hudson River near the confluence with the Mohawk River. The land comprising the Poesten Kill and Wynants Kill areas were owned by two Mohican groups. The land around the Poesten Kill was owned by Skiwias and was called Panhooseck. The area around the Wynants Kill, was known as Paanpack, was owned by Peyhaunet. The land between the creeks, which makes up most of downtown and South Troy, was owned by Annape. South of the Wynants Kill and into present-day North Greenbush, the land was owned by Pachquolapiet. These parcels of land were sold to the Dutch between 1630 and 1657 and each purchase was overseen and signed by Skiwias, the sachem at the time.[4] In total, more than 75 individual Mohicans were involved in deed signings in the 17th century.[5]