How to Choose the Best X-Ray Technician Program near Afton Virginia
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Afton VA so you can become a radiologic technician. And now that you have made a decision to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about choosing the ideal college and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a qualified professional? And since the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you assess each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Many students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while location and cost need to be considered, there are additional significant qualifications also. For example, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology technician does and the credentials and training options that are available.
Radiology Tech Occupation Description in Afton VA
There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical major job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can work in Afton VA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might 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 regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are also required to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
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Radiology Technician Degree Options near Afton VA
The basic requirement for attending a radiology tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, usually requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in Afton VA or their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Virginia or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, based on the state where you will be working you might need 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 require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number offer additional options for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Afton area employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance your career options in and around Afton VA to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Tech Degrees
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is usually carried out in Afton VA hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Afton home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are often less expensive than conventional options. Along with lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be decreased as well. But just make certain that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits 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 choice for you.
What to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools
As soon as you have selected the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of looking for and assessing x-ray tech schools near Afton VA. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining variable also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology technician colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to make sure 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). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Afton VA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the radiology technician schools you are reviewing have partnerships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent manner to obtain practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Afton VA healthcare community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in Afton VA in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Virginia healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Afton VA home. Individuals who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school 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 often charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Afton VA schools you are considering 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 ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the xray technician program as well.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the xray tech program you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Afton VA area, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Guide to Accredited X Ray Technician Schools Afton VA
Enrolling in the ideal x-ray tech school is a critical first step toward initiating a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs typically stand for the greater part of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Guide to Accredited X Ray Technician Schools and wanting more information on the topic Radiology Technician Certificate Program. However, as we have addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are assessing before making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you decide on an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each program so you can focus your choices before making your final choice. And with the right training and your motivation to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Afton VA.
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Afton, Virginia
Afton is an unincorporated community in Albemarle and Nelson counties in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains about 20 miles (32 km) west of Charlottesville.[3]
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