Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Valhalla NY 10595 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick an Xray Tech Program near Valhalla New York

Valhalla NY x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Valhalla NY so you can train to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have made a decision to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about selecting the ideal college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And because most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Most potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifications as well. For instance, you must find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and training options that are available.

Radiology Tech Job Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the same principal job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They can practice in Valhalla NY hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may work with include:

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

Radiographers must maintain their equipment and routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Valhalla NY health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Valhalla NY The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech program is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to finish 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 extensive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to bear in mind is that Valhalla NY radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may often be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification requirements in New York or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an Radiologist school, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several provide other options for testing as well. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, many Valhalla NY employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Valhalla 10595 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 the same for online degree colleges. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is usually conducted in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Valhalla NY home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less expensive than conventional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be reduced as well. But just be sure that the online college 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 an online school may be the right choice for you.

Topics to Ask Radiographer Colleges

After you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of looking for and evaluating Valhalla NY x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? Most xray tech schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to confirm 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). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Valhalla NY employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the New York xray technician colleges you are interested in have associations with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to get hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Valhalla NY healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the radiographer schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Valhalla NY healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Valhalla NY home. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you decide 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 commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Valhalla NY colleges you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer program you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Valhalla NY, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What made you pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not just the private reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but also what attributes and skills you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should organize a number of ideas about how you want to address them. Since there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the talents you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down some concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Select the Best X-Ray Technician School near Valhalla NY

Choosing the ideal radiology tech school is a critical first step toward starting a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As has been addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are considering before making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the right education and your commitment to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Valhalla NY.

Some Background on Valhalla New York

Valhalla, New York

Valhalla is a hamlet and census-designated place (CDP) located within the town of Mount Pleasant, in Westchester County, New York, United States, in the New York City metropolitan area. Its population was 3,162 at the 2010 U.S. Census.[1] The name of the community was inspired by a fan of the opera composer Richard Wagner, and the hamlet is known both for its location as the home of the primary hospital campus of Westchester Medical Center and New York Medical College, as well as the burial place of numerous noted people. The name comes from Valhalla, a heavenly abode in Norse mythology.

Valhalla gained its name when it was necessary to name a new U.S. post office in the 19th century, due to the flooding of a pre-existing town and post office, Kensico, which is now underneath the lake created by the Kensico Dam (a part of the New York city water supply system). According to local historians and published works, the wife of a postmaster was a devoted fan of the works of the composer Richard Wagner, and she shared that composer's interest in Norse mythology. Her preference led to the choice of the name Valhalla, after the heavenly paradise of slain warriors in that mythology. It is most generally agreed that Xavier Reiter, a French horn player with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, a Wagner devotee, suggested that the post office name of "Valhalla" be adopted. The village still maintains its association with death through noted people who were buried in its cemeteries.

The Kensico Cemetery was founded in 1889 in Valhalla at a time when many of the cemeteries in the city of New York were filling up, and several rural cemeteries were founded near the railroads that served the metropolis. Initially 250 acres (100 ha) in size, the cemetery was expanded to 600 acres (2.4 km2) in 1905, but reduced to 460 acres (1.9 km2) in 1912, when a portion of its land was sold to the neighboring Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

The Kensico Cemetery is the final resting place of the actress Billie Burke, who played Glinda, the "Good Witch of the North", in the classic film The Wizard of Oz. Also interred within Kensico Cemetery and Gate of Heaven Cemetery are the big band leader Tommy Dorsey; the New Yorker cartoonist Peter Arno; the former CBS News president Fred Friendly; the legendary New York Yankees star Lou Gehrig; the film star and comedian Danny Kaye; the comedian and TV pioneer Soupy Sales; the virtuoso pianist, composer, and conductor, Sergei Rachmaninoff; the author Ayn Rand; NBC founder David Sarnoff; artist Robert De Niro, Sr.; and the first Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America, James E. West. It is also where the remains lie of Herbert Howard Booth, the son of the Salvation Army founder William Booth, who was the founder of the Salvation Army Musical Department. Giovanni Turini, a sculptor from Italy, who was born in 1841 and died in 1899, made the statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi, a man he served in the fighting surrounding the unification of Italy, in Washington Square, and also the bust of Giuseppe Mazzini in Central Park is buried there, as is actress Anne Bancroft. It is also the resting place of Harriet Quimby, America's first certified female pilot. Famous Pakistani delegate to the United Nations, Professor Syed Ahmed Shah Bukhari also known by his pen name Patras Bokhari is also buried there.[2][3]

On July 12, 2006, the Westchester tornado, an F2 event, touched down in nearby Hawthorne and proceeded to move into Valhalla, causing much destruction in the Stonegate section of the community. This was one of the strongest tornadoes the area had ever seen, as tornadoes of this magnitude are mostly in the Midwest. Power lines were knocked down, and hundreds of trees were uprooted. There were no deaths, but much of Valhalla changed as a result.