How to Find a Radiologic Technician College near Stamford Connecticut

Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Stamford CT so you can train to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have made a decision to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you undertake selecting the ideal school and program so that you will get the proper training to become a skilled professional? And since most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. A number of students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifiers as well. For example, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are examining are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.

X-Ray Tech Work Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the same primary job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Stamford CT hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may utilize 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 and routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Stamford CT health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degree Options

The standard requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech school 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 typical among techs, normally requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Stamford CT radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from any 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 school, based on the state where you will be employed you may have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number offer additional alternatives for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, many Stamford CT employers would rather hire 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 comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Tech Schools

As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So while you can still earn your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is often carried out in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Stamford CT home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online approach to education is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are often less costly than on-campus options. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But just confirm that the online school you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the ideal choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

Once you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing Stamford CT x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be an important variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology tech schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations 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 rigorous review of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Stamford CT employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.

Are Internships Sponsored? Inquire if the Connecticut radiology technician schools you are assessing have associations with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to obtain practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Stamford CT medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Stamford CT healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will have to be within travelling distance of their Stamford CT home. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you decide 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 generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Stamford CT colleges 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 ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the x-ray tech  college you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Stamford CT, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Become a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to review questions you may be asked. One of the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What made you select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not merely the personal reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but additionally what attributes and talents you have that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, along with a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to ready several strategies about how you would like to answer them. Since there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the talents you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down a few ideas and topics that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Choose the Best X-Ray Tech School near Stamford CT

Selecting the ideal radiology tech school is a crucial first step toward initiating a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As we have addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are looking at prior to making your final selection. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each college so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the right education and your commitment to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Stamford CT.

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