How to Select the Right Xray Tech Degree Program near Arlington Virginia
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Arlington VA in order to train to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you set about selecting the ideal school and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you research each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. A number of prospective students begin by searching 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 expense and location must be considered, there are additional significant qualifiers also. For example, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.
Radiology Technician Career Summary in Arlington VA
There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Arlington VA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might 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 care for their equipment and routinely evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
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X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered near Arlington VA
The primary prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may typically be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in Arlington VA or their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Virginia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number accept other alternatives for testing also. Some states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Arlington area employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it may increase your career options in and around Arlington VA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Technologist Classes
As a component of any 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 programs. So while you can still earn your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is typically carried out in Arlington VA hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Arlington residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually find that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are often cheaper than traditional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But just make certain that the online program 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 ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Radiographer Programs
After you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating x-ray technician colleges near Arlington VA. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important factor also. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are considering.
Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology tech schools have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still important to make sure that the school and program are accredited. Among 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 gone through an extensive evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Arlington VA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level openings.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the xray tech programs you are interested in have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great way to get practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a means 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 Arlington VA medical community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in Arlington VA in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the radiographer schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Virginia healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they select will need to be within driving distance of their Arlington VA residence. Those who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something 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 be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Arlington VA schools you are looking at what the average 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 determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the xray tech program you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in the Arlington VA 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 courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.
Guide to Fast Track Radiologic Technologist Schools Arlington VA
Choosing the right x-ray tech college is a crucial first step toward launching a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs typically stand for the greater part of the workday and position and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability 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 techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Guide to Fast Track Radiologic Technologist Schools and wanting more information on the topic X Ray Technician Degree. However, as has been discussed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you decide on an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each school so you can focus your choices before making your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to succeed, you can realize your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Arlington VA.
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Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County is a county in the Commonwealth of Virginia,[1] often referred to simply as Arlington or Arlington, Virginia. The county is situated in Northern Virginia on the southwestern bank of the Potomac River directly across from the District of Columbia, of which it was once a part. The county is coterminous with the U.S. Census Bureau's census-designated place of Arlington. Arlington is considered to be the second-largest "principal city" of the Washington metropolitan area.
In 2018, the county's population was estimated at 237,521,[2] making Arlington the sixth-largest county in Virginia by population; if it were incorporated as a city, would be the fourth-most populous city in the state. With a land area of 26 square miles (67 km2), Arlington is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the U.S., and by reason of state law regarding population density, it has no incorporated towns within its borders. It is the 5th highest-income county in the U.S. by median family income.[3]
Due to the county's proximity to downtown Washington, D.C., Arlington is home to many important installations for the national capital region and U.S. government, including the Pentagon, Reagan National Airport, and Arlington National Cemetery. Many schools and universities have campuses in Arlington, including George Mason University's Antonin Scalia Law School and Schar School of Policy and Government, as well as satellite campuses of the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech.
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