Tag Archives: Schools for Radiologic Technologists Durham CT 06422

Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Durham CT 06422

How to Select a Radiology Tech College near Durham Connecticut

Durham CT x-ray tech internship programBest wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Durham CT in order to train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake picking the right school and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And since the majority of states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Many students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifiers as well. For instance, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and education choices that are available.

Radiology Tech Career Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the same major job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They may practice in Durham CT hospitals, clinics, private 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 take care of their equipment plus frequently evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Durham CT medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Durham CTThe primary prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to finish and is more extensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that Durham CT radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may often be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Connecticut or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be employed you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several accept additional options for testing also. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Durham CT employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Durham 06422As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is usually carried out in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Durham CT residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually discover that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are often less expensive than conventional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just make sure that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.

Points to Ask Radiographer Schools

When you have selected the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of finding and evaluating Durham CT x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be an important factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of xray technician schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies 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 assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Durham CT health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Ask if the Connecticut radiology technician colleges you are reviewing have partnerships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Durham CT healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Durham CT healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they select will have to be within driving distance of their Durham CT home. Those who have chosen to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble 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 choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Durham CT colleges you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer  school you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Durham CT, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

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

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to consider questions you may be asked. One of the things that interviewers frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not merely the private reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what characteristics and skills you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must ready some strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the talents you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down some ideas and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Pick the Best Radiology Tech College near Durham CT

Choosing the ideal radiology tech college is a critical first step toward launching a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As has been discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are looking at before making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Durham CT.

Some Background on Durham Connecticut

Durham, Connecticut

Durham is a town in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States. Durham is a former farming village on the Coginchaug River in central Connecticut. The population was 7,388 at the 2010 census. Every autumn, the town hosts the Durham Fair, the largest volunteer agricultural fair in New England.

The Durham town center is listed by the U.S. Census Bureau as a census-designated place in the 2000 census. The core of the town center has also been listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 23.8 square miles (62 km2), of which, 23.6 square miles (61 km2) is land and 0.2 square miles (40 ha or 0.67%) is water. The town center CDP has a total area of 6.3 square miles (16 km2). 6.3 square miles (16 km2) of it is land and 0.16% is water.

The west side of Durham is flanked by the Metacomet Ridge, a mountainous trap rock ridgeline that stretches from Long Island Sound to nearly the Vermont border. Notable features of the Metacomet ridge in Durham include Trimountain, Fowler Mountain, Pistapaug Mountain, and the north tip of Totoket Mountain. The 50-mile (80-kilometer) Mattabesett Trail traverses the ridge. Miller's Pond State Park is located within the town.

First settled in 1699 by Guilford resident Caleb Seward, Durham was originally called Coginchaug by the Native Americans who lived near the swampy area.[citation needed] The settlement was named after Durham, in England.[1]

 

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