How to Pick the Best Radiologic Technician School near Annandale Virginia
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Annandale VA in order to become a radiology technician. But now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you tackle choosing the ideal college and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a skilled professional? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you might require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you research each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. Many potential students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location must be considered, there are additional significant qualifications as well. For instance, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and education options that are offered.
X-Ray Technician Job Summary in Annandale VA
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the same principal job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Annandale VA 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 have to maintain their equipment and regularly assess its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
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X-Ray Technician Degree Options near Annandale VA
The basic requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, usually takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to finish and is more extensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to consider is that radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can typically be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in Annandale VA or their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Virginia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several accept other alternatives for testing also. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many Annandale area employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it could increase your career options in and around Annandale VA to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Tech Colleges
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a large amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually provided in Annandale VA hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Annandale residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online style of education is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less costly than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be decreased also. But just be sure that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.
What to Ask Radiology Tech Programs
After you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating x-ray tech colleges near Annandale VA. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material factor as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are assessing.
Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of radiology technician colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to confirm that the school and program 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed review of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. 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 superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Annandale VA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level openings.
Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the xray technician colleges you are interested in have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Annandale VA healthcare community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in Annandale VA in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Virginia healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the school they select will need to be within travelling distance of their Annandale VA home. Students who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally 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 are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit way in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Annandale VA schools you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer school you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Annandale VA area, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family obligations.
Guide to Accredited Schools For X Ray Techs Annandale VA
Selecting the ideal radiology technician degree program is an important first step toward beginning a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the working day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best available patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Guide to Accredited Schools For X Ray Techs and wanting more information on the topic X Ray Tech Course. However, as has been discussed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are assessing before making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each program so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the right training and your dedication to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a radiographer in Annandale VA.
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Annandale, Virginia
Annandale is located at 38°50′3″N 77°12′41″W / 38.83417°N 77.21139°W / 38.83417; -77.21139 (38.834134, −77.211277).[7] Annandale is mostly traversed by the Capital Beltway and Virginia State Route 236. The center of town is considered to be where Route 236, Columbia Pike, and Backlick Road meet around two miles (3 km) east of Interstate 495 on Route 236.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 7.86 square miles (20.4 km2), all of it land. The area is part of the coastal plain located just east of the Fall Line separating the coastal plain of Virginia from the Piedmont. It is characterized by rolling hills, stream valleys, and heavy red clay soils.
The Annandale region is bisected by Accotink Creek, which in Colonial times was a primary link for ocean-going ships that would load tobacco and other goods where Little River Turnpike - Annandale's oldest road and the first toll road in America - crosses it. With the construction of the Springfield Dam in 1918, Lake Accotink was created to serve as a water source for World War I Army Camp A.A. Humphreys. In 1960, when the lake was no longer needed by the Army, the Fairfax County Park Authority leased the land and finally bought the site in 1965.[8] Today, Lake Accotink is a popular recreation area with bike trails, fishing and boat rentals.
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