Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Whitestone NY 11357 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose a Radiology Technician Program near Whitestone New York

Whitestone NY x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Whitestone NY so you can learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you go about choosing the right college and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled professional? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. A number of potential students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location must be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifications as well. For instance, you must ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology technician does and the degrees and training options that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Job Summary

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the same fundamental job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Whitestone NY clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may 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 frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Whitestone NY medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Whitestone NY The standard prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have earned 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 prevalent among techs, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate also. Something to bear in mind is that Whitestone NY radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification requirements in New York or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so contact your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many offer additional options for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Whitestone NY employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Whitestone 11357 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is typically performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Whitestone NY home. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically discover that the online style of education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are generally less costly than on-campus options. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be lessened as well. But just make sure that the online school you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the ideal choice for you.

Topics to Ask Radiology Tech Programs

When you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of finding and assessing Whitestone NY x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover 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 reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? Most xray technician schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to verify that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Whitestone NY employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the New York xray tech programs you are reviewing have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Whitestone 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 initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Whitestone NY healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the school they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Whitestone NY home. Those who have decided 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 concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often 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 kind of person that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Whitestone NY schools you are considering what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech program you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Whitestone NY, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Become an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to consider questions you may be asked. One of the questions that recruiters often ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what qualities and skills you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to ready a number of approaches about how you would like to answer them. Since there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession 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 try to memorize a response, but jot down a few ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Select the Ideal X-Ray Technician College near Whitestone NY

Selecting the right radiology tech school is a critical first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements 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 interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As we have discussed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you opt for an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each program so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to succeed, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiologic technologist in Whitestone NY.

Some Background on Whitestone New York

Whitestone, Queens

Whitestone is an upper middle-class residential neighborhood in the northernmost part of the New York City borough of Queens. The neighborhood proper is located between the East River to the north and 25th Avenue to the south. Whitestone is surrounded by College Point, Flushing, Bayside, Auburndale, Linden Hill, and Murray Hill.

Whitestone contains the subsection of Malba, which is bounded to the north by the East River, to the east by the Whitestone Expressway, to the south by 14th Avenue, and to the west by 138th Street. Malba was cited in a New York Times article as one of the few "elite enclaves" of Queens.[1]

Dutch settlers derived the name of the town from limestone that used to lie on the shore of the river according to a popular tradition. This tradition is supported by 17th century wills and deeds, which may be found in The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, that refer to "the white stone" as a local landmark and survey reference point. Whitestone got its name because the settlers discovered that Whitestone was built on white limestone. The neighborhood is patrolled by the NYPD's 109th Precinct, and is part of Queens Community Board 7. It is traditionally bounded by the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge (opened 1939) on the west and the Throgs Neck Bridge (opened 1961) on the east.[2] The zip code of Whitestone is 11357.

The area was, in large part, the estate of Francis Lewis, a delegate to the Continental Congress and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The estate was the site of an English raid during the Revolutionary War. Lewis was not present but his wife was taken prisoner and his house was burned to the ground. For a period of time Whitestone was called Clintonville after Dewitt Clinton, the former governor of New York; this etymology is present in the name of Cliftonville Street, located in the neighborhood.[3] In the late 19th century, many wealthy New Yorkers began building mansions in the area, on what had once been farmland or woodland. Rapid development of the area ensued in the 1920s, however, as trolley and Long Island Rail Road train service on the Whitestone Branch was expanded into the neighborhood. Although this rail service ended during the Great Depression, part of the right-of-way was later used by Robert Moses to help construct the Belt Parkway, which includes the Whitestone Expressway which runs along the southeast edge of the former Flushing Airport and through Whitestone. Flushing Airport has been abandoned since 1985.

Further development came with the building of the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge in 1939. The bridge measures 2,300 feet and was the fourth longest bridge in the world at the time of its construction.