Category Archives: District of Columbia

Radiology Tech Schools Online Washington DC

How to Enroll in the Right X Ray Technician Course near Washington District of Columbia

Washington DC doctor examining x-raySo you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Washington DC so you can train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you tackle picking the ideal college and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And because the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you research each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. A number of potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location must be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifiers also. For example, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and education options that are offered.

X-Ray Technician Job Summary in Washington DC

Washington DC radiologic technologist examining x-rayThere are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same primary job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They can work in Washington DC hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may utilize 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 analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Click Here For Free Information on X-Ray Tech Schools Near You!

Radiology Tech Degrees Offered near Washington DC

Washington DC x-ray tech school internship programThe primary requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, generally requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be acceptable also. Something to bear in mind is that radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in Washington DC or their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in District of Columbia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, based on the state where you will be employed you may need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many offer additional options for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many Washington area employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options in and around Washington DC to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Tech Classes

Washington DC student attending online x-ray tech schoolAs a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a large amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually carried out in Washington DC family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Washington residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually discover that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less expensive than traditional options. In addition to lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be lessened as well. But just make sure 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 formalized style of training, then an online school may be the ideal option for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiographer Schools

Once you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of searching for and evaluating x-ray tech colleges near Washington DC. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a material factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? Most xray tech colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to confirm that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations 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 an extensive assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. 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 quality education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Washington DC employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.

Are Internships Provided? Ask if the xray technician colleges you are assessing have associations with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to get hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Washington DC medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in Washington DC in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with District of Columbia healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they decide on will need to be within travelling distance of their Washington DC home. Individuals 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. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Washington DC schools you are reviewing what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer  college you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Washington DC area, make certain that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify 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 due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Radiology Tech Schools Online Washington DC

x-ray machine in Washington DC hospitalPicking the right x-ray tech college is a critical first step toward beginning a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed 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. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Radiology Tech Schools Online and wanting more information on the topic Colleges With Radiology Technician Programs. However, as has been addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are assessing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you opt for an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the proper education and your dedication to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a X-ray tech in Washington DC.

Other District of Columbia Diagnostic Locations

 

 

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington or D.C., is the capital of the United States.[4] Founded after the American Revolution as the seat of government of the newly independent country, Washington was named after George Washington, the first president of the United States and a Founding Father.[5] As the seat of the United States federal government and several international organizations, Washington is an important world political capital.[6] The city is also one of the most visited cities in the world, with more than 20 million tourists annually.[7][8]

The signing of the Residence Act on July 16, 1790, approved the creation of a capital district located along the Potomac River on the country's East Coast. The U.S. Constitution provided for a federal district under the exclusive jurisdiction of the U.S. Congress, and the District is therefore not a part of any state. The states of Maryland and Virginia each donated land to form the federal district, which included the pre-existing settlements of Georgetown and Alexandria. The City of Washington was founded in 1791 to serve as the new national capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land originally ceded by Virginia; in 1871, it created a single municipal government for the remaining portion of the District.

Washington had an estimated population of 702,455 as of July 2018[update],[9] making it the 20th most populous city in the United States. Commuters from the surrounding Maryland and Virginia suburbs raise the city's daytime population to more than one million during the workweek.[10] Washington's metropolitan area, the country's sixth largest, had a 2017 estimated population of 6.2 million residents.[11]

 

 

Business Results 1 - 10 of 196

Washington Radiology - Arlington
3 Reviews
Diagnostic Imaging, Radiologists, Ultrasound Imaging Centers
Phone:
1005 N Glebe Rd, Ste 110, Arlington, VA 22201

Washington Radiology Washington DC
87 Reviews
Radiologists, Diagnostic Imaging, Medical Centers
Phone:
2141 K St, Washington, DC 20037

AAR Woodbridge Imaging Center
14 Reviews
Diagnostic Imaging, Radiologists
Phone:
4001 Prince William Pkwy, Ste 302, Woodbridge, VA 22192

Progressive Radiology at Silver Spring
1 Reviews
Medical Centers, Diagnostic Imaging, Radiologists
Phone:
1010 Wayne Ave, Ste 151, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Radiology Imaging Associates
7 Reviews
Radiologists
Phone:
11335 Pembrooke Sq, Suites 101, 104, 114 & 116, Waldorf, MD 20603

Community Radiology Associates
3 Reviews
Diagnostic Imaging, Radiologists
Phone:
7501 Greenway Center Dr, Ste 200 & 510, Greenbelt, MD 20770

Community Radiology Associates
3 Reviews
Diagnostic Imaging, Radiologists
Phone:
5454 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 1765, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Insight Imaging
39 Reviews
Diagnostic Imaging
Phone:
2786 S Arlington Mill Dr, Arlington, VA 22206

Springfield Imaging Center - Fairfax Radiology
4 Reviews
Diagnostic Imaging, Radiologists, Medical Centers
Phone:
5510 Alma Ln, Ste 100, Springfield, VA 22151

Washington Radiology - Chevy Chase
16 Reviews
Diagnostic Imaging, Radiologists, Ultrasound Imaging Centers
Phone:
4445 Willard Ave, Ste 200, Chevy Chase, MD 20815