Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Stonington CT 06378

How to Find a Radiologic Tech School near Stonington Connecticut

Stonington CT x-ray tech internship programCongratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Stonington CT so you can learn to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have decided to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you set about choosing the ideal school and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And because most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. A number of potential students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be considered, there are other important qualifiers also. For instance, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are examining are provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.

X-Ray Technician Career Summary

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the same principal job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They may practice in Stonington CT hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might 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 regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Stonington CT medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Stonington CTThe primary requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, normally takes 18 months to 2 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 finish and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to consider is that Stonington CT radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or 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 must abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Connecticut or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, based on the state where you will be employed you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many approve additional options for testing also. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Stonington CT employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Stonington 06378As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is typically carried out in local 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 Stonington CT residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often find that the online style of learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less costly than traditional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can 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 option for you.

What to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

When you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of looking for and assessing Stonington CT x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important factor also. But along with cost and location, what more should you factor in when evaluating colleges? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? Most xray technician schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to verify that the school and program 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 undergone a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Stonington CT health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Sponsored? Inquire if the Connecticut xray technician colleges you are assessing have partnerships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent manner to obtain practical experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates develop professional connections in the Stonington CT medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the radiographer programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Stonington CT healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they decide on will have to be within commuting distance of their Stonington CT home. Students who have decided to attend online classes obviously 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 program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Stonington CT schools you are looking at what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the x-ray tech  college you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Stonington CT, make certain that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Become an X-Ray Tech?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to review questions you may be asked. One of the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not merely the personal reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what attributes and abilities you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, along with a certain number of general interview questions, so you should prepare a number of strategies about how you would like to address them. Because there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the talents you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down some ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.

Pick the Best X-Ray Tech School near Stonington CT

Enrolling in the right x-ray tech college is an important first step toward beginning a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As we have covered in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are looking at before making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each school so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Stonington CT.

Some Background on Stonington Connecticut

Stonington, Connecticut

The town of Stonington is located in New London County, Connecticut, United States, in the state's southeastern corner. It includes the borough of Stonington, the villages of Pawcatuck, Lords Point, Wequetequock, and the eastern halves of the villages of Mystic and Old Mystic (the other halves being in the town of Groton). The population of the town was 18,545 at the 2010 census.[1]

The first European colonists established a trading house in the Pawcatuck section of town in 1649. The present territory of Stonington was part of lands that had belonged to the Pequot people, who referred to the areas making up Stonington as Pawcatuck (Stony Brook to the Pawcatuck River) and Mistack (Mystic River to Stony Brook). It was named "Souther Towne" or Southerton by Massachusetts in 1658, and officially became part of Connecticut in 1662 when Connecticut received its royal charter. Southerton was renamed "Mistick" in 1665,[2]:26 and finally named Stonington in 1666,[2]:36 meaning "stony town".[3]Thomas Miner, Walter Palmer, William Chesebrough, and Thomas Stanton were the founders. The town of North Stonington was set off as a parish from Stonington in 1724 and incorporated as a town in 1807.

Stonington first gained wealth in the 1790s when its harbor was home to a fleet engaged in the profitable Seal hunting trade in which seals were hunted on islands off the Chilean and Patagonian coasts, and their skins were sold as fur in China.[4]

Stonington repulsed two British naval bombardments. One was a desultory bombardment during the American Revolution by Sir James Wallace in the frigate HMS Rose on August 30, 1775. The other was a more damaging three-day affair between August 9 and 12, 1814 during the War of 1812. British vessels HMS Ramillies, HMS Pactolus, HMS Dispatch, and HMS Terror under the command of Sir Thomas Hardy appeared offshore on August 9. The British demanded immediate surrender, but Stonington's citizens replied with a note that stated, "We shall defend the place to the last extremity; should it be destroyed, we shall perish in its ruins."[5] For three days, the Royal Navy pounded the town, but the only fatality was that of an elderly woman who was already mortally ill. The British sailed off on August 12 after suffering many dead and wounded. American poet Philip Freneau wrote (in part):

The Stonington Harbor Light is a low stone building erected in 1823 and was the first lighthouse established by the federal government. In the 19th century, Stonington supported a small fishing, whaling, and sealing fleet, with some direct trade with the West Indies—enough in volume for it to be made a port of entry in 1842. The small granite Customs House faces Main Street just north of Cannon Square.

 

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