How to Choose the Right X-Ray Tech School near Ashland Virginia
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Ashland VA so you can train to be a radiology technician. And now that you have chosen to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you go about selecting the right school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And because most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you research each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering in order to compare each program. Most potential students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be taken into account, there are additional important qualifiers as well. For example, you must ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and training options that are offered.
Radiology Technician Job Description in Ashland VA
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the identical principal job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They can work in Ashland VA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might utilize 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 plus regularly analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
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Radiology Tech Degree Options near Ashland VA
The primary prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity 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 two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to finish and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are appropriate also. One thing to keep in mind is that radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can typically be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in Ashland VA or their region. 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 working as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be employed you might need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many accept other alternatives for testing also. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Ashland area employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options in and around Ashland VA to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technician Degrees
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree schools. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is often carried out in Ashland VA hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Ashland home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually discover that the online style of education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are generally cheaper than traditional options. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be reduced 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 disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the right option for you.
Points to Ask X Ray Tech Programs
As soon as you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of searching for and evaluating x-ray technician schools near Ashland VA. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining variable also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are assessing.
Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? Most radiology technician schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations 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 review of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Ashland VA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the radiology technician schools you are assessing have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to receive hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Ashland VA healthcare community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in Ashland VA in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the radiographer schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Virginia healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they pick will have to be within commuting distance of their Ashland VA home. Those who have chosen 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 importance. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Ashland VA colleges you are researching what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the xray tech college you finally choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Ashland VA area, verify 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 emergencies.
Guide to Fast Track Radiology Tech Schools Ashland VA
Choosing the right radiology tech degree program is an important first step toward launching a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the workday and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Guide to Fast Track Radiology Tech Schools and wanting more information on the topic X Ray Tech Certificate Programs. However, as has been addressed in this report, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are assessing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your dedication to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a X-ray tech in Ashland VA.
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Ashland, Virginia
Ashland is a town located 16 miles (26 km) north of Richmond along Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1 in Hanover County, Virginia, United States. As of the 2010 census it had a population of 7,225,[6] up from 6,619 at the 2000 census.
Ashland is named after the Lexington, Kentucky estate of Hanover County native and statesman Henry Clay. It is the only incorporated town in Hanover County. Although comprising only one square mile when originally incorporated in 1858, today Ashland has grown through several annexations to a size of 7.16 square miles (18.5 km2), one of Virginia's larger towns in terms of land area.[citation needed]
The Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad initially developed the town in the 1840s as a mineral springs resort with a racetrack. The town was named "Ashland" after native son Henry Clay's estate in Kentucky and was officially incorporated on February 19, 1858. The area had been known as "The Slashes", sometimes translated as "swamp", but which also reflected the small ravines that formed in the sandy clay soil after hard rains.
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