How to Find the Right Xray Technician College near Fairfax Virginia
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Fairfax VA in order to train to be a radiology technician. And now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake choosing the right school and program so that you will get the proper training to become a skilled professional? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you may need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you research each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Many students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost need to be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifications also. For example, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are examining are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and education options that are offered.
X-Ray Tech Career Description in Fairfax VA
There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same major job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They can practice in Fairfax VA clinics, hospitals, 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 must maintain their equipment and also regularly analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep in-depth 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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X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered near Fairfax VA
The primary 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 or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, normally takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are appropriate as well. Something to keep in mind is that radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in Fairfax VA or their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Virginia or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification
After you have graduated from an Radiologist college, depending on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many offer other alternatives for testing also. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Fairfax area employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options in and around Fairfax VA to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Tech Classes
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So while you can still earn your degree online, a significant amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is typically conducted in Fairfax VA family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Fairfax home. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically discover that the online style of education is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are generally more affordable than on-campus options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be reduced as well. 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 structured type of training, then online classes may be the right choice for you.
Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges
After you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of finding and assessing x-ray tech schools near Fairfax VA. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a material variable also. But along with cost and location, what else should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are reviewing.
Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of xray tech colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. 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 gone through an extensive examination of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Fairfax VA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level openings.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the xray tech colleges you are assessing have associations with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional connections in the Fairfax VA medical community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in Fairfax VA in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Virginia healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the school they pick will need to be within driving distance of their Fairfax VA home. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Fairfax VA colleges you are reviewing what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the xray tech school you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Fairfax VA area, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to enroll in. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.
Xray Tech Programs Fairfax VA
Enrolling in the best radiology technician college is an important first step toward beginning a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Xray Tech Programs and wanting more information on the topic Radiology Technician Universities. However, as we have discussed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each program you are assessing before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you opt for an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices and make your decision. And with the right education and your commitment to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a X-ray tech in Fairfax VA.
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Fairfax, Virginia
Fairfax (/ˈfɛərfæks/ FAIR-faks), colloquially known as Fairfax Courthouse, Downtown Fairfax, or Fairfax City, and officially named the City of Fairfax, is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States.[5] As of the 2010 census the population was 22,565,[6] which had risen to an estimated 24,574 as of 2018.[2]
The city of Fairfax and the area immediately surrounding the historical border of the city of Fairfax, collectively designated by Fairfax County as "Fairfax", comprise the county seat of Fairfax County. The city is part of the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area as well as a part of Northern Virginia. The city is 17 miles (27 km) west of Washington, D.C. The Washington Metro's Orange Line serves Fairfax through its Vienna station, which is a mile northeast of the city limits. CUE Bus and Metrobus operate in Fairfax. Virginia Railway Express's Burke Centre station is situated three miles southeast of the city's boundaries. Virginia's largest public educational institution with 35,189 students in 2017 is George Mason University, which is located in unincorporated Fairfax County, along the city's southern border.[7]
The city derives its name from Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, who was awarded 5,000,000 acres (20,000 km2) of land in northern Virginia by King Charles.[8] The area that the city now encompasses was settled in the early 18th century by farmers from Virginia's Tidewater region.[9] The town of "Providence" was established on the site by an act of the state legislature in 1805.[10]
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