Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Thompson CT 06277

How to Select a Radiology Tech Program near Thompson Connecticut

Thompson CT x-ray tech internship programBest wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Thompson CT in order to train to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle picking the ideal school and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And since the majority of states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you research each of the colleges you are looking at in order to compare each program. Many prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost need to be considered, there are other significant qualifiers as well. For example, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

Radiology Technician Occupation Summary

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the identical major job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They may practice in Thompson CT hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Thompson CT medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Thompson CTThe primary prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, usually takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate also. One thing to consider is that Thompson CT radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools 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 licensing or certification mandates in Connecticut or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be employed you might have to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number accept additional options for testing as well. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, many Thompson CT employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Thompson 06277As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree schools. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a large portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually provided in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Thompson CT home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often find that the online approach to education is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are generally less expensive than conventional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online college you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the right option for you.

Points to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

When you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of locating and assessing Thompson CT x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? Most radiology tech colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed examination of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Thompson CT health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level openings.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the Connecticut radiology tech schools you are assessing have partnerships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to receive hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help graduates and students develop professional connections in the Thompson CT healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Thompson CT healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the school they pick will have to be within driving distance of their Thompson CT home. Individuals who have chosen to attend classes online obviously 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 choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Thompson CT schools you are reviewing what the average teacher to student 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 an opportunity to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.

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

Why Did You Want to Be an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to consider questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the private reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but also what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you should ready several approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Considering there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you along with the talents you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down a few concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Choose the Ideal Radiology Technician College near Thompson CT

Choosing the appropriate radiology tech degree program is a crucial first step toward launching a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the workday and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. As we have addressed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are assessing prior to making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the proper training and your dedication to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiographer in Thompson CT.

Some Background on Thompson Connecticut

Thompson, Connecticut

Thompson is a rural town in Windham County, Connecticut, United States. The town was named after Sir Robert Thompson, an English landholder.[1] The population was 9,458 at the 2010 census.[2] Thompson is located in the northeastern corner of the state and is bordered on the north by Webster, Massachusetts and Dudley, Massachusetts, on the east by Douglas, Massachusetts and Burrillville, Rhode Island, on the west by Woodstock, Connecticut, and on the south by Putnam, Connecticut.

Thompson has the highest-banked race track (Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, a 5/8 mile oval and a restored 1.7 mile road course) in New England. This speedway holds one of the biggest race programs in New England, The World Series of Auto Racing, where 16 divisions and about 400 cars show up each fall. Another claim to fame is that the Tri-State Marker is located just on the border of Thompson. The term "Swamp Yankee" is thought to have originated in Thompson during the American Revolution in 1776.

Thompson was the site of the Great East Thompson Train Wreck in 1891, one of the worst train wrecks in American history and the only one to involve four trains.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 48.7 square miles (126 km2), of which 46.9 square miles (121 km2) is land and 1.7 square miles (4.4 km2), or 3.51%, is water. Thompson possesses many small ponds, such as Little Pond and Long Pond, as well as two principal lakes: West Thompson Lake and Quaddick Reservoir. Contained within its borders are several moderately sized rivers, including the French River and Five Mile River, both tributaries of the Quinebaug River, which also runs through Thompson. One of the highest points in Thompson and the surrounding villages is Fort Hill at 649 feet (198 m) above sea level.

A minor point of geological interest is the Wilsonville Fault, created during the breakup of Pangaea nearly 200 million years ago.[3]

 

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