Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Westbury NY 11590 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an Xray Technician Degree Program near Westbury New York

Westbury NY x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Westbury NY in order to learn to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have made a decision to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you go about choosing the ideal college and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that most states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Most prospective students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifiers also. For instance, you should find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are examining are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the degrees and education options that are offered.

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X-Ray Tech Work Description

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same primary job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They can practice in Westbury NY hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may utilize 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 also routinely analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Westbury NY medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Westbury NY The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to consider is that Westbury NY radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in New York or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an Radiologist college, depending on the state where you will be employed you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number approve additional alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, many Westbury NY employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Westbury 11590 As a part 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 even though you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is often carried out in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Westbury NY residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often find that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are generally less costly than conventional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may 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 motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the best option for you.

Topics to Ask Radiology Tech Programs

Once you have decided on the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of searching for and evaluating Westbury NY x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material factor also. But along with location and cost, what more should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to verify 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). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed review of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged 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 schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Westbury NY employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the New York radiology tech programs you are reviewing have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional connections in the Westbury NY healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Westbury NY healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Westbury NY home. Those who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local 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 need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind 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. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Westbury NY schools you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with some of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer program you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Westbury NY, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to consider questions you could be asked. Among the things that hiring managers typically ask radiographer prospects 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 being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what qualities and skills you have that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, along with a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must organize a number of approaches about how you would like to answer them. Because there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the talents you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down several concepts and talking points that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Choose the Right X-Ray Technician School near Westbury NY

Picking the right radiology tech degree program is a critical first step toward beginning a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the day and position and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As we have covered in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection. 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 program so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the proper training and your dedication to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiographer in Westbury NY.

Some Background on Westbury New York

Westbury, New York

Westbury incorporated in 1932 as a village in Nassau County, New York, United States. The population was 15,146 at the 2010 census. The Incorporated Village of Westbury is in the Town of North Hempstead. It is located about 18 miles (40 km) east of Manhattan.

The first settlers arrived in 1658 in the region known as the Hempstead Plains. Many of the early settlers were Quakers.

Westbury's Jericho Turnpike, which provides connection to Mineola and Syosset as well as to the Long Island Expressway (or LIE), was once a trail used by the Massapequa Indians. As far back as the 17th century, it served as a divider between the early homesteads north of the Turnpike and the great plains to its south. Today, it serves as a state highway complex.

In 1657, Captain John Seaman purchased 12,000 acres (49 km2) from the Algonquian Tribe of the Massapequa Indians. In 1658, Richard Stites and his family built their homestead in this area.[citation needed] Theirs was the only family farm until an English Quaker, Edmond Titus, and his son Samuel, joined them and settled in an area of Hempstead Plains known to us today as the Village of Westbury. In 1675 Henry Willis, also an English Quaker, named the area "Westbury", after Westbury, Wiltshire, his hometown in England.[4] Other Quaker families who were also seeking a place to freely express their religious beliefs joined the Tituses and Willises. The first Society of Friends meeting house was built in 1700. The early history of Westbury and that of the Friends are so interconnected that they are essentially the same.

These settlers, like many other landowners throughout the colonies, owned slaves. In 1775, compelled by their religious beliefs, the Quakers freed all 154 African-Americans that they owned. Many of these freed men and women built their own homesteads on the open land near the sheep grazing pastures. Their new community consisted of farms and dairies. In 1834, with Quaker assistance, they and their descendants built the New Light Baptist Church. Now known as the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, the building still stands on the corner of Union Avenue and Cross Street.