Tag Archives: How to Become a Radiologic Technologist Westport CT 06880

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Westport CT 06880

How to Pick an X-Ray Tech School near Westport Connecticut

Westport CT x-ray tech internship programBest wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Westport CT so you can train to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle selecting the right school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Most potential students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be taken into consideration, there are additional significant qualifications as well. For example, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are reviewing 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.

Radiology Technician Work Summary

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the same principal job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They may practice in Westport CT clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might utilize include:

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

Radiographers must care for their equipment and also regularly assess its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Westport CT medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Westport CTThe basic requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that Westport CT radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can typically be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Connecticut or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number accept other options for testing also. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, numerous Westport CT employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance 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 examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technologist Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Westport 06880As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually conducted in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Westport CT home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are often less costly than traditional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online program you enroll in 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 online classes may be the best choice for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Programs

After you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of locating and evaluating Westport CT x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But along with location and cost, what more should you factor in when comparing colleges? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of xray tech schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Westport CT health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the Connecticut xray tech programs you are interested in have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to receive hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Westport CT medical community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Westport CT healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they choose will have to be within commuting distance of their Westport CT home. Those who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry 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 perhaps 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 typically charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Westport CT colleges you are reviewing 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 students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer  program you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Westport CT, make certain that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Be an X-Ray Tech?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to review questions you may be asked. Among the questions that interviewers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not just the private reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what characteristics and skills you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of routine interview questions, so you should organize a number of ideas about how you would like to address them. Given that there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the abilities you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down several concepts and topics that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Pick the Ideal Radiology Tech School near Westport CT

Picking the ideal x-ray tech degree program is a critical first step toward beginning a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As we have covered in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are assessing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the proper education and your motivation to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Westport CT.

Some Background on Westport Connecticut

Westport, Connecticut

Westport is a town located in Connecticut, along Long Island Sound within Connecticut's Gold Coast in Fairfield County, Connecticut. It is 47 miles (76 km) northeast of New York City. The town had a population of 26,391 according to the 2010 U.S. Census, and is ranked 22nd among America’s 100 Richest Places[5] as well as second in Connecticut, with populations between 20,000 and 65,000.[6][7]

The earliest known inhabitants of the Westport area as identified through archaeological finds date back 7,500 years.[8] Records from the first white settlers report the Pequot Indians living in the area which they called Machamux translated by the colonialists as beautiful land.[9] Settlement by colonialists dates back to the five Bankside Farmers; whose families grew and prospered into a community that continued expanding. The community had its own ecclesiastical society, supported by independent civil and religious elements, enabling it to be independent from the Town of Fairfield.[10] The settlers arrived in 1693, having followed cattle to the isolated area known to the Pequot as the "beautiful land".[9] As the settlement expanded its name changed: it was briefly known as "Bankside" in 1693, officially named Green's Farm in 1732 in honor of Bankside Farmer John Green and in 1835 incorporated as the Town of Westport.[8][11]

During the revolutionary war—on April 25, 1777, a 1,850 strong British force under the command of the Royal Governor of the Province of New York, Major General William Tryon landed on Compo Beach to destroy the Continental Army’s military supplies in Danbury.[12]Minutemen from Westport and the surrounding areas crouched hiding whilst Tryon's troops passed and then launched an offensive from their rear. A statue on Compo beach commemorates this plan of attack with a crouching Minuteman facing away from the beach; looking onto what would have been the rear of the troops.[13]

The Town of Westport was officially incorporated on May 28, 1835, with lands from Fairfield, Weston and Norwalk.[8][14] Daniel Nash led 130 people of Westport in the petitioning of the Town of Fairfield for Westport’s incorporation. The driving force behind the petition was to assist their seaport’s economic viability that was being undermined by neighboring towns’ seaports.[15] For several decades after that, Westport was a prosperous agricultural community distinguishing itself as the leading onion-growing center in the U.S.[16] Blight caused the collapse of Westport's onion industry leading to the mills and factories replacing agricultural as the town's economic engine.[10]

Agriculture was Westport’s first major industry. By the 19th century, Westport had become a shipping center in part to transport onions to market.

 

More Cities of Interest in Connecticut

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