Top Radiologic Technology Schools in New Hampshire

Identifying the best radiologic technology schools in New Hampshire is crucial for aspiring technologists. Accreditation, program details, and future career opportunities are vital pieces of the puzzle. This guide offers a direct analysis of these aspects to aid in your decision-making process.

Exploring Accredited Radiologic Technology Programs in New Hampshire

Accreditation sets the benchmark for radiologic technology programs. JRCERT, recognized by the United States Department of Education, is the only agency that accredits radiologic technology programs. Programs accredited by JRCERT are known for their quality and adherence to nationally developed standards, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the national certification exams. In New Hampshire, two institutions stand out for their JRCERT-accredited programs: the New Hampshire Technical Institute and River Valley Community College.

New Hampshire Technical Institute’s Premier Program

The New Hampshire Technical Institute offers a program leading to an Associate of Science degree in Radiologic Technology. This degree program prepares students for careers in radiography and medical imaging. This comprehensive, 24-month program requires 80 credit hours for completion and offers courses focused on:

Radiographic operation
Positioning
Nursing procedures
Anatomy and physiology
Radiation protection
Patient care

And more.

Beginning from the second semester, students are assigned clinical internships at affiliated medical centres such as Catholic Medical Center, Concord Hospital, and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, providing them with invaluable practical experience in health care programs.

River Valley Community College’s Comprehensive Curriculum

River Valley Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Radiologic Technology, a program designed to cultivate passionate radiologic technologists. This 21-month program, accredited by JRCERT, has a comprehensive curriculum that aligns with the recommendations of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.

The program engages students four days a week, equipping them with:

Critical knowledge of anatomy
Radiologic positioning
Critical thinking skills
Problem-solving skills
Professional ethical behaviour

The Path to Becoming a Qualified Radiologic Technologist in NH

New Hampshire offers multiple educational pathways for aspiring radiologic technologists, including a one-year certificate program, a two-year associate’s degree, or a four-year bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology. However, regardless of the pathway chosen, graduating from an accredited radiologic technology program is a must. This is because only graduates from accredited programs are eligible to sit for the ARRT certification exam, a crucial step towards becoming a certified radiologic technologist in New Hampshire.

Educational Foundations: High School to Associate Degree

The Associate of Applied Science degree is the preferred choice for most entry-level radiologic technologists. It provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed to begin a career in this field. Programs usually require a minimum high school GPA of 2.5 for program admission. These programs are designed to provide a solid understanding of:

Anatomy
Equipment protocols
Radiation safety
Patient positioning techniques
Basic patient care

A robust educational foundation fosters the development of competent radiologic technologists.

Clinical Experience and Certification Exams

Quality radiologic technology programs, including a comprehensive radiography program, are characterized by their emphasis on robust and early clinical training. This hands-on experience prepares graduates to be immediately work-ready upon graduation. Students are required to complete diverse clinical site assignments, rotating between at least two different sites during their education to ensure a comprehensive and varied clinical experience in various radiology programs.

Job Prospects and Career Growth for Radiologic Technologists in NH

Radiologic technologists can anticipate promising job prospects in New Hampshire. Here are some key statistics:

The job placement rate for NHTI Radiologic Technology Program graduates actively seeking employment within 12 months of graduation is an impressive 100%.
These graduates also display strong credentialing success with a 94.3% five-year average pass rate on the first attempt of the ARRT certification examination.
Furthermore, the projected growth rate for radiologic technologist and technician employment in New Hampshire stands at 7.4%, signalling a steady demand for these professionals.

Radiologic technologists in New Hampshire can also envision promising career growth. With the radiologic technology field growing, opportunities for career advancement in medical imaging are increasing.

Salary Expectations and Employment Opportunities

When it comes to salary expectations, radiologic technologists in New Hampshire can look forward to an average annual salary of $73,200, with an average hourly wage of $30.69. They also have a wide array of employment opportunities at healthcare facilities across the state, including Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, Concord Hospital, Cheshire Medical Center, Four Seasons Imaging, Parkland Medical Center, Memorial Hospital, and Weeks Medical Center.

Advancing Your Career: Specializations and Further Education

Radiologic technologists, also known as medical imaging professionals, have the opportunity to advance their careers by specializing in areas such as X-ray, MRI, CT, mammography, and radiation therapy or by pursuing further education and professional development. Program advancements allow students to explore careers in imaging modalities like CT, MRI, mammography, bone density, and interventional radiography, as well as in fields like nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, PACS administration, radiology assistant, radiology educator, and health administration.

Developing Professional and Ethical Behavior

Professional and ethical behaviour is paramount in the field of radiologic technology. Technologists have a professional duty to provide services to humanity with full respect for the dignity of all individuals. They are committed to delivering patient care without discrimination, respecting individuals’:

Sex
Race
Creed
Religion
Socioeconomic status

Confidentiality and patient privacy are also of utmost importance, with confidential information disclosed only as required by law or to protect individual or community welfare.

Mastering Radiation Protection and Safety

Another crucial aspect of being a radiologic technologist is mastering radiation protection and safety. Technologists need to be well-versed in radiation safety and protection to minimize exposure to harmful radiation for both patients and themselves. They must adhere to occupational dose limits to prevent short and long-term effects of occupational radiation exposure. Best practices include keeping radiation exposure ‘as low as reasonably achievable’ (ALARA) for both staff and patients.

The proper use of mounted and mobile imaging equipment, personal protective equipment, and safety features on equipment is crucial to minimize unnecessary radiation exposure.

Comparing Radiologic Technology Schools: What to Look For

Several factors come into play when comparing radiologic technology schools. Here are some key considerations:

Program effectiveness data: Evaluate the success rates and job placements of graduates to determine the quality of education.
Clinical experiences: Consider the type of clinical experiences offered and the availability of varied clinical sites. This will impact your preparedness for real-world radiologic technology demands.
Supportive coordinators: Look for programs with coordinators who are accessible and supportive. They play a crucial role in facilitating successful clinical placement experiences.

Lastly, accreditation by recognized bodies such as JRCERT guarantees that the program meets certain educational standards and is essential for eligibility for the national certification exam administered by relevant authorities.

Summary

Pursuing a career in radiologic technology in New Hampshire is a promising path, offering rewarding opportunities for personal growth and professional advancement. With top-notch, JRCERT-accredited programs available at the New Hampshire Technical Institute and River Valley Community College, students are guaranteed quality education. The journey to becoming a radiologic technologist involves rigorous academic preparation, hands-on clinical training, and passing the ARRT certification exam.

Explore Radiologic Technology Training in Neighboring States to New Hampshire

Situated in the New England region, New Hampshire is surrounded by states offering outstanding opportunities for radiologic technology training. From Vermont and Maine to Massachusetts, these neighboring states provide accessible and diverse pathways to advance your career in medical imaging.

Highlighted States to Consider:

Discover state-specific guides to explore training programs, certification requirements, and job opportunities tailored to radiologic technologists. These resources are designed to help you succeed in this rewarding and essential healthcare field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there scholarship opportunities for radiologic technologists in New Hampshire?

Some New Hampshire colleges and healthcare organizations offer scholarships to technologists, especially for those pursuing advanced certifications or working in underserved areas.

How do New Hampshire’s rural hospitals support radiologic technologists?

Rural hospitals in New Hampshire often provide cross-training in various imaging modalities to maximize technologists’ skills in settings with limited staffing.