Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near West Harrison NY 10604

How to Choose an Xray Technician School near West Harrison New York

West Harrison NY x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near West Harrison NY in order to learn to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle choosing the right college and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And since most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. A number of students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location must be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifications as well. For instance, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and education choices that are available.

Radiology Tech Work Summary

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical fundamental job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in West Harrison NY hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 care for their equipment and also routinely analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As West Harrison NY health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in West Harrison NY The standard requirement for attending an x-ray tech school is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to keep in mind is that West Harrison NY radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing mandates in New York or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, based on the state where you will be practicing you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many offer additional options for testing also. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, many West Harrison NY employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Tech Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in West Harrison 10604 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So while you can still earn your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is usually provided in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training can be attended in the comfort of your West Harrison NY home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently cheaper than traditional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be reduced as well. 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 an online degree may be the best option for you.

Points to Ask Radiographer Colleges

When you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of finding and assessing West Harrison NY x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? Most xray technician schools have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed review of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance 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 superior education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many West Harrison NY health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the New York radiology tech schools you are reviewing have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to get practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional relationships in the West Harrison NY health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with West Harrison NY healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they select will need to be within driving distance of their West Harrison NY home. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern 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 might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the West Harrison NY schools you are reviewing what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech program you finally select can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in West Harrison NY, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to consider questions you might be asked. Among the things that hiring managers often ask radiographer candidates is "What made you select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not just the personal reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but also what attributes and skills you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, as well as a certain number of typical interview questions, so you need to ready some approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down some ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample answers can help you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Select the Best Radiology Technician School near West Harrison NY

Enrolling in the right radiology technician college is an important first step toward beginning a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed 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. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are looking at prior to making your final decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the right education and your commitment to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiology tech in West Harrison NY.

Some Background on West Harrison New York

Harrison, New York

Harrison is a village and town located in Westchester County, New York, approximately 22 miles (35 km) northeast of Manhattan. The population was 27,472 at the 2010 census.[4] Harrison was ranked sixth in the list of the top 10 places to live in New York State for 2014 according to the national online real estate brokerage Movoto.[5]

According to Forbes, Harrison is the 326th wealthiest place in the United States with a median sale price of $1,230,625, slightly below that of Chappaqua.[6]Fundera ranked Harrison the best place in New York for small business.[7]

Harrison was established in 1696 by a patent granted by the British government to John Harrison and three others, who had a year earlier bargained with local Native Americans to purchase an area of land above Westchester Path (an old trail that led from Manhattan to Port Chester) and below Rye Lake.[8] Local custom holds that Harrison was given 24 hours to ride his horse around the area he could claim, and the horse couldn't swim or didn't want to get its feet wet, but this is folklore.[9] In fact, the land below Westchester Path and along Long Island Sound had already been purchased and partly developed by the settlers of Rye, NY.

The area that became Harrison had also been sold in 1661 or 1662, and again in 1666, to Peter Disbrow, John Budd, and other investors or early residents of Rye.[10] Disbrow and Budd evidently lost their paperwork and the land was ultimately granted to Harrison and his co-investors in 1696. So upset were the people or Rye that they seceded to the Colony of Connecticut until 1700, when the King of England ordered Rye to rejoin the Colony of New York.[11]

The first permanent residents of Harrison's Purchase, as it was called, arrived in about 1725, and many early settlers were Quakers, who set up a Friend's Meeting House at a settlement located in the part of Harrison now called Purchase.[9][12] Harrison's Purchase was administered jointly by the settlers of Rye until it was incorporated as a town on March 7, 1788, by an act of the New York State legislature.[13]