Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Hawleyville CT 06440

How to Pick a Radiology Technician Degree Program near Hawleyville Connecticut

Hawleyville CT x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Hawleyville CT in order to learn to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you go about picking the right college and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. Many potential students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be considered, there are other important qualifications as well. For instance, you should 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 examining are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and education options that are available.

X-Ray Technician Work Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the identical major job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Hawleyville CT clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may work with 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 and routinely analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Hawleyville CT medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Hawleyville CT The basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, generally takes 18 months to two years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more extensive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are acceptable also. One thing to consider is that Hawleyville CT radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can typically be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which many colleges 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 certification or licensing requirements in Connecticut or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be working you may need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but several accept additional options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Hawleyville CT employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it may 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 rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Hawleyville 06440 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So although you can still earn your online degree, a large portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is often conducted in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Hawleyville CT home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually find that the online style of learning is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are often cheaper than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be lessened as well. But just make sure that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiographer Schools

After you have decided on the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of finding and evaluating Hawleyville CT x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a material variable also. But along with cost and location, what else should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to verify that the school and program 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). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Hawleyville CT health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.

Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the Connecticut radiology technician programs you are evaluating have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the Hawleyville CT medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Hawleyville CT healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will have to be within commuting distance of their Hawleyville CT home. Individuals who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to keep 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 might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Hawleyville CT schools you are researching 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 ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the radiographer college you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Hawleyville CT, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to consider questions you might be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask radiographer candidates is "What made you decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not just the private reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but additionally what qualities and talents you have that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you need to ready some approaches about how you want to address them. Considering there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the strengths you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down several ideas and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can help you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Choose the Ideal X-Ray Technician Program near Hawleyville CT

Enrolling in the appropriate radiology technician degree program is a critical first step toward launching a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the workday and position and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology 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 available patient care. As has been addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are assessing before making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each program so you can focus your choices before making your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiographer in Hawleyville CT.

Some Background on Hawleyville Connecticut

Shepaug, Litchfield and Northern Railroad

The Shepaug, Litchfield and Northern Railroad was a short independent railroad in western Connecticut that was chartered as the Shepaug Valley Railroad in 1868 and operated from 1872 to 1891 when it was taken over by the Housatonic Railroad.[3] In 1898 the Housatonic operation was assumed by the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad (NH). As the Litchfield Division of the NH the line was operated until abandonment in 1948. Much of the line remains as a rail trail.

"Shepaug" in the railroad's name derived from the name of the Shepaug River, followed by most of the line, which in turn was a Mohegan name that meant "rocky water".[4]

The railroad was chartered in 1866 or 1868 and opened for operation on December 7, 1871 as the Shepaug Valley Railroad.[1][5] J. Deming Perkins was the company's first president. Henry R. Colt was the treasurer and Edwin McNeill was the superintendent.[5] Regular service to Litchfield started by January 11, 1872.[5] Due to the expense of building and maintaining the line through rocky rural terrain the railroad suffered low profitability throughout its existence. To help pay creditors it was reorganized as the Shepaug Railroad in 1873 and was again reorganized as the Shepaug, Litchfield and Northern (or SL&N) on May 9, 1887.[1]

The first three 30–ton 4-4-0 steam locomotives to run on the Shepaug line were from the Rogers Locomotive and Machine Works of Paterson, New Jersey named Shepaug, Weatinaug, and Waramaug.[5][6] In addition to passenger traffic the railroad shipped freight. Gail Borden's condensed milk business had started operation in the Burrville section of Torrington in the 1860s. Thanks to strong sales during the civil war that business was quite profitable and was looking to expand in the 1870s. A new Borden creamery was built and started shipping dairy products out of Washington Depot soon after the start of operations on the SL&N. Other significant freight shippers included stone quarries near Roxbury and New Preston (marble and granite)[5] and ice cut from Bantam Lake.[6]

At first, the SL&N would run two trains down from Litchfield toward Hawleyville with two return trains later in the day each weekday.[7] A single passenger and a separate freight train ran on Saturdays. The need to get milk as fresh as possible to New York City markets led to runs of a Sunday "milk train". At first the milk was delivered to Hawleyville to be picked up by the Housatonic and then carried to Bridgeport and on to New York. Eventually the creamery at Hawleyville was closed as was the Hawleyville branch, by which time the milk train ran through Danbury to South Norwalk.[8]