Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Enfield CT 06082

How to Select an Xray Technician School near Enfield Connecticut

Enfield CT x-ray tech internship programCongrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Enfield CT so you can train to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about choosing the right school and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified professional? And because the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. Many prospective students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be taken into account, there are other significant qualifications also. For example, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology tech does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.

Radiology Technician Career Description

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the identical major job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They may work in Enfield CT clinics, hospitals, private 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 maintain their equipment plus routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Enfield CT health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Enfield CTThe primary requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, usually takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that Enfield CT radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can typically be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Connecticut or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist program, depending on the state where you will be employed you may need to become 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 accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number accept additional alternatives for testing also. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, numerous Enfield CT employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may improve 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 examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Enfield 06082As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So although you can still obtain your degree online, a large amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is often performed in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Enfield CT residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically find that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are frequently cheaper than traditional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the right choice for you.

Points to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

After you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing Enfield CT x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a material factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology technician schools have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations 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 rigorous review of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in securing 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 Enfield CT employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Offered? Ask if the Connecticut xray tech programs you are evaluating have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to obtain hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates develop professional connections in the Enfield CT health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Enfield CT healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the college they select will have to be within driving distance of their Enfield CT home. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes 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 choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Enfield CT colleges you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. 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 talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the x-ray tech  program you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Enfield CT, check that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Be a Radiology Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to review questions you might be asked. One of the things that interviewers often ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not just the private reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but also what characteristics and talents you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, as well as a significant number of standard interview questions, so you should organize several ideas about how you would like to address them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down several ideas and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Enroll in the Best X-Ray Technician College near Enfield CT

Choosing the ideal x-ray tech degree program is a critical first step toward launching a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs typically stand for the majority of the working day and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray 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 productive work environment and provide the best available patient care. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are assessing prior to making your final decision. This is just as true whether you decide on an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the right education and your dedication to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Enfield CT.

Some Background on Enfield Connecticut

Enfield, Connecticut

Enfield is a town in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 44,654 at the 2010 census.[1] It is bordered by Longmeadow, Massachusetts and East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, to the north, Somers to the east, East Windsor and Ellington to the south, and the Connecticut River (towns of Suffield and Windsor Locks) to the west.

Enfield was originally inhabited by the Pocomtuc tribe, and contained their two villages of Scitico and Nameroke. Enfield was settled in 1679 by settlers from Salem, Massachusetts. Enfield was incorporated in Massachusetts in 1683 as the Freshwater Plantation. The namesake is the Freshwater Brook that triverses the town. Shortly around 1700, the town changed its name to Enfield after Enfield Town in Middlesex. In 1734, the western part of town separated into the town of Somers. In 1749, following the settlement of a lawsuit in which it was determined that a surveyor's error placed a section of present-day Hartford County (including Enfield) within the boundaries of Massachusetts, the town seceded and became part of Connecticut.[2]

Jonathan Edwards preached his famous sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God", in Enfield. It was part of the Great Awakening revival that struck New England in the mid-18th century and spread throughout Western North American civilization.

The modern town of Enfield was formed through the merging of Enfield, Thompsonville, and Hazardville, named for Colonel Augustus George Hazard (1802–1868), whose company manufactured gunpowder in the Powder Hollow area of the town from the 1830s to the 1910s. In the 1989 film Glory, boxes of gunpowder can be seen with the words Enfield, CT printed on the sides. In an episode in the 1970s police drama Hawaii Five-O, Jack Lord's character Steve McGarrett traces explosives back to "The Hazard Gunpowder Company- Enfield, CT". The capacity of the mill at the time of the Civil War was 1,200 pounds (540 kg) per day.[3] Over 60 people died in explosions in Powder Hollow during the years when gunpowder was manufactured there. The mill blew up several times, but was set up so that if one building blew up, the rest would not follow in a chain reaction. The ruins of these buildings and the dams are open to the public. Powder Hollow is now home to baseball fields and hiking trails.

King's Island in the Connecticut River, previously known as Terry Island (or Terry's Island, or Great Island),[4] was the location of pivotal meetings of Adventist Christians in 1872 and 1873.[5][5]

 

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