How to Pick the Best X-Ray Tech Program near Dahlgren Virginia
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Dahlgren VA in order to train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have made a decision to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you set about selecting the right school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And since the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you might require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you research each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering in order to compare each program. Many potential students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be taken into account, there are additional important qualifications as well. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and education options that are available.
Radiology Tech Career Description in Dahlgren VA
There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the same primary job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They can practice in Dahlgren VA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 take care of their equipment and also regularly assess its performance and safety. They are additionally required to retain 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 Available near Dahlgren VA
The primary prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have attained 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 technicians, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in Dahlgren VA or their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Virginia or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiographer Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an Radiologist school, based on the state where you will be employed you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number provide additional options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Dahlgren area employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance your career options in and around Dahlgren VA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Technician Classes
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a large amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is usually conducted in Dahlgren VA hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Dahlgren residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online style of education is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are generally less costly than on-campus options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just confirm that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.
Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges
Once you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of searching for and evaluating x-ray tech schools near Dahlgren VA. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when reviewing 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 before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are considering.
Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial 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 undergone an extensive evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it may also earn 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. Besides ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Dahlgren VA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.
Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the xray tech schools you are assessing have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional relationships in the Dahlgren VA medical community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in Dahlgren VA in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success 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 confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will need to be within driving distance of their Dahlgren VA home. Individuals 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 concern. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually 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.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Dahlgren VA schools you are considering what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer 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 perspectives regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the xray tech program you ultimately pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Dahlgren VA area, verify that they are available. 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 need to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Radiologic Technology Program Dahlgren VA
Selecting the right x-ray technician college is a critical first step toward beginning a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the workday and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed 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 interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Radiologic Technology Program and wanting more information on the topic X Ray Technician Certification Schools. However, as has been covered in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you participate in an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each college so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the right education and your dedication to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as a X-ray tech in Dahlgren VA.
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Dahlgren, Virginia
Since 1918, Dahlgren has been the site of a U.S. naval base named for Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren. It was first the "U.S. Naval Proving Ground" but was renamed the "U.S. Naval Weapons Laboratory" after 1950, the "Naval Surface Weapons Center" in 1974, the "Naval Surface Warfare Center" in 1987, and the "U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD)" around 1990. In 2006, it was renamed "Naval Support Activity-South Potomac (NSA-SP)", with NSWCDD becoming a tenant command of the base. The U.S. Naval Space Surveillance Systems command was located at that base, but that responsibility was transferred to the Air Force in 2004.[5] The AEGIS Training and Readiness Center is currently a tenant command at NSA-SP. The naval base lies just east of the Dahlgren CDP within its own census-designated place, Dahlgren Center.
Dahlgren is in northeastern King George County, 1 mile (1.6 km) south of and 2 miles (3 km) west of the Potomac River. It is bordered to the east by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division. The Dahlgren CDP extends north to state route 635, to the west to the unincorporated community of Owens, and south to the tidal Upper Machodoc Creek, an arm of the Potomac.
U.S. Route 301 (the James Madison Parkway), runs through Dahlgren, leading northeast across the Potomac 18 miles (29 km) to La Plata, Maryland, and southwest 15 miles (24 km) to Port Royal, Virginia.
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