How to Choose the Right Radiologic Tech Course near Great Falls Virginia
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Great Falls VA so you can train to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about choosing the right school and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. A number of prospective students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location should be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifications also. For instance, you must ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. 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 talk about what a radiology technician does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.
X-Ray Technician Job Summary in Great Falls 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, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the same principal job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Great Falls VA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might work with include:
- Traditional and specialized X-Rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Sonography or ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy
Radiographers must take care of their equipment plus regularly analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
Click Here For Free Information on X-Ray Tech Schools Near You!
Radiology Tech Degree Options near Great Falls VA
The standard requirement for attending a radiology tech college is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, usually takes 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 4 years to complete and is more expansive in scope. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in Great Falls VA or their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Virginia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several provide additional alternatives for testing also. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, many Great Falls area employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options in and around Great Falls VA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technician Programs
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is usually provided in Great Falls VA family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Great Falls home. Students who keep working while earning their degree often discover that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are generally less costly than traditional options. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be decreased also. But just confirm 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 style of training, then an online degree may be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Radiology Tech Colleges
As soon as you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of finding and evaluating x-ray technician colleges near Great Falls VA. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important variable as well. But along with location and cost, what else should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are considering.
Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray tech colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school 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). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Great Falls VA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level openings.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the xray tech schools you are reviewing have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Great Falls VA healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in Great Falls VA in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are assessing 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 confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Great Falls 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 importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program 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 typically charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Great Falls VA schools you are looking at 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 an opportunity to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the xray technician program also.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the xray tech school you finally select can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Great Falls VA area, make sure that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.
X Ray Technician Trade Schools Great Falls VA
Enrolling in the appropriate x-ray tech college is a critical first step toward initiating a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in X Ray Technician Trade Schools and wanting more information on the topic Radiologic Technician Schools Near Me. However, as has been addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are assessing prior to making your final decision. This is just as true whether you decide on an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each college so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the proper training and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a X-ray tech in Great Falls VA.
Other Virginia Diagnostic Locations
Great Falls, Virginia
Great Falls is located at 38°59′53″N 077°17′18″W / 38.99806°N 77.28833°W / 38.99806; -77.28833 (38.9981653, −77.2883157) at an elevation of 344 feet (105 m).[3][8] Located on Virginia State Route 7 in Northern Virginia, Great Falls is 15 miles (24 km) west-northwest of downtown Washington, D.C. and 10.5 miles (16.9 km) north of Fairfax, the county seat.[9]
Great Falls lies in the Piedmont upland on the right bank of the Potomac River.[10][11] The river forms the northern and eastern border of the CDP, and several of its tributaries flow north and east through the CDP. From north to south, these include Nichols Run, Clarks Branch, and Difficult Run. Difficult Run forms the southeastern border of the CDP. Two of its tributaries, Captain Hickory Run and Piney Run, flow southeast through the southern part of the CDP.[9][11] The Great Falls of the Potomac River, the community's namesake, are on the east side of the CDP.[11]
As a suburb of Washington, D.C., Great Falls is a part of both the Washington Metropolitan Area and the larger Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area. It is bordered on all sides by other Washington suburbs, including: Darnestown and Travilah, Maryland to the north, Potomac, Maryland to the east, McLean to the southeast, Wolf Trap to the south, Reston and Dranesville to the southwest, Sterling to the west, and Lowes Island to the northwest.[12]
Business Results 1 - 10 of 170
18 Reviews 
16 Reviews 
10 Reviews 
13 Reviews 
5 Reviews 
22 Reviews 
3 Reviews 
8 Reviews 
20 Reviews 
11 Reviews 