Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Lebanon CT 06249 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose a Radiologic Technician College near Lebanon Connecticut

Lebanon CT x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lebanon CT in order to train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have made a decision to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about selecting the ideal school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled professional? And because most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you may require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at 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 usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifications also. For instance, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are examining are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the credentials and training options that are available.

X-Ray Tech Job Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same major job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They can practice in Lebanon CT clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 take care of their equipment plus frequently evaluate its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Lebanon CT health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Lebanon CT The standard requirement for attending a radiology tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, normally takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to finish and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that Lebanon CT radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Connecticut or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiographer Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be employed you might need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many offer other alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, numerous Lebanon CT employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Lebanon 06249 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is usually provided in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Lebanon CT residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically find that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are often less costly than traditional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But just make sure that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the right option for you.

Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

After you have selected the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of finding and evaluating Lebanon CT x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining factor also. But along with location and cost, what else should you consider when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of xray tech colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Lebanon CT employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the Connecticut radiology tech colleges you are reviewing have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to get practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the Lebanon CT healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Lebanon CT healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Lebanon CT home. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to keep 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 may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Lebanon CT schools you are researching what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. 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 talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech school you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Lebanon CT, make certain that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to review questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not just the private reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but also what qualities and abilities you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you must prepare a number of ideas about how you would like to answer them. Because there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the strengths you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but write down some ideas and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to develop your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Select the Ideal Radiology Tech Program near Lebanon CT

Choosing the right radiology technician degree program is a critical first step toward starting a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As has been addressed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are considering before making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices and make your decision. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiographer in Lebanon CT.

Some Background on Lebanon Connecticut

Lebanon, Connecticut

Lebanon is a town in New London County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 7,308 at the 2010 census.[1] The town lies just to the northwest of Norwich, directly south of Willimantic, 20 miles (32 km) north of New London, and 20 miles (32 km) east of Hartford. The farming town is best known for its role in the American Revolution, where it was a major base of American operations, and for its historic town green, which is one of the largest in the nation and the only one still used partially for agriculture.[citation needed]

Lebanon was originally settled by the Mohegan people, an Algonquian-speaking tribe that inhabited the upper Thames River Valley in eastern Connecticut. The area was known as Poquechaneed and was used primarily for hunting.[2]

The town of Lebanon has its origins with the settlers of Norwich, who wanted to expand beyond the "nine miles square" they had bought from the Mohegan sachem Uncas. In 1663, the first grant in the area was given to Major John Mason, deputy governor of the Connecticut Colony; the next year, Mason accepted 500 acres (2.0 km2) northwest of Norwich. This area, known as "Pomakuck" or "Pomocook" by the Mohegans, is now the Goshen Hill area of Lebanon.

In 1666, Connecticut granted an additional 120 acres (0.49 km2) to the Rev. James Fitch, minister of Norwich, adjacent to Maj. Mason's land which was now known as Cedar Swamp. The Mohegans conferred their blessing on the grants by giving an additional 7-mile (11 km) strip to Maj. Mason's son in 1675, who split the land with the Rev. Fitch, his father-in-law. This area is now known as "Fitch and Mason's Mile", or just "The Mile".[3][4]

In 1692, Uncas' son, Sachem Oweneco, sold 25 square miles (65 km2) to four men from Norwich and Stonington (including Sam Mason, another son of Maj. Mason), known as the "Five Mile Purchase" or "Five Mile Square" (being 5 miles (8 km) on each side). With the Purchase, most of the modern-day town of Lebanon was established.[3]