How to Choose the Best Xray Technician Degree Program near Merrifield Virginia
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Merrifield VA in order to train to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have decided to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you undertake picking the ideal college and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And because the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Most prospective students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be taken into account, there are other significant qualifiers also. For instance, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology tech does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.
Radiology Tech Occupation Summary in Merrifield VA
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical principal job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Merrifield VA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may 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 maintain their equipment and also regularly assess its performance 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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Radiology Technician Degrees Offered near Merrifield VA
The standard 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 Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to complete and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable as well. Something to consider is that radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can typically be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in Merrifield VA or their region. Once 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 working as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. At present, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number accept additional alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, many Merrifield area employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it might improve your career options in and around Merrifield VA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted 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 exam.
Online X-Ray Technologist Degrees
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a large amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is typically carried out in Merrifield VA family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Merrifield home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are generally more affordable than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be reduced as well. But just make sure that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges
When you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing x-ray technician colleges near Merrifield VA. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are assessing.
Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? Most xray technician schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies 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 a detailed assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it might also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on 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 guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Merrifield VA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level positions.
Are Internships Offered? Find out if the xray tech programs you are evaluating have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to get practical training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students establish professional connections in the Merrifield VA medical community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in Merrifield VA in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success 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 corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they decide on will need to be within travelling distance of their Merrifield VA home. Those who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Merrifield VA colleges you are looking at what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the xray tech program as well.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the xray tech college you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Merrifield VA area, check that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family obligations.
Colleges That Have Radiology Technician Merrifield VA
Enrolling in the ideal x-ray tech school is a critical first step toward initiating a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the majority of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray 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 productive work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Colleges That Have Radiology Technician and wanting more information on the topic Where to Find Online X Ray Tech Schools. However, as has been addressed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are looking at prior to making your final decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the proper education and your dedication to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiographer in Merrifield VA.
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Merrifield, Virginia
Merrifield is located in eastern Fairfax County at 38°52′23″N 77°14′35″W / 38.87306°N 77.24306°W / 38.87306; -77.24306 (38.873144, −77.242994).[4] It is bounded by I-66 on the north, the Capital Beltway on the east, Arlington Boulevard (U.S. Route 50) on the south, and Nutley Street (Virginia State Highway 243) on the west. Neighboring communities are Oakton to the west, the town of Vienna to the north, Dunn Loring to the northeast, Idylwood and West Falls Church to the east, Annandale at the southeast corner of Merrifield, Woodburn and Mantua to the south, and the city of Fairfax to the southwest. Downtown Washington, D.C., is 13 miles (21 km) to the east.
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 11,170 people, 4,396 households, and 2,725 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 4,107.2 people per square mile (1,585.6/km²). There were 4,534 housing units at an average density of 1,667.1/sq mi (643.6/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 54.67% White, 5.94% African American, 0.25% Native American, 29.94% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 5.00% from other races, and 4.11% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.91% of the population.
There were 4,396 households out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.0% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 3.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.06.
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