How to Pick the Right X-Ray Tech School near Newport News Virginia
So you have decided to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Newport News VA in order to become a radiologic technician. And now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about picking the right school and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you assess each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Many students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost need to be considered, there are additional important qualifications also. For example, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training choices that are available.
Radiology Technician Occupation Summary in Newport News VA
There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, each has the same fundamental job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may work in Newport News VA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may utilize 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 and routinely evaluate its performance and safety. They are also required to retain detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
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X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered near Newport News VA
The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech program is to have attained 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 typical among techs, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to finish and is more extensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate also. Something to consider is that radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in Newport News VA or their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Virginia or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, based on the state where you will be working you might have to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many offer other options for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Newport News area employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it may increase your career options in and around Newport News VA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Tech Degrees
As a component of any 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 although you can still earn your degree online, a large amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is typically performed in Newport News VA family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Newport News residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online approach to education is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently cheaper than traditional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be lessened as well. But just confirm that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.
Subjects to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges
When you have decided on the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing x-ray technician schools near Newport News VA. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online 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 supplementary expenses will be an important factor as well. But along with location and cost, what else should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the colleges 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 put together a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are considering.
Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology technician schools have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to confirm 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed review of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Newport News VA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.
Are Internships Sponsored? Inquire if the radiology tech schools you are interested in have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to get practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help graduates and students form professional connections in the Newport News VA healthcare community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in Newport News VA in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are considering 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 substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they select will have to be within commuting distance of their Newport News VA home. Those who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local 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 perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Newport News VA colleges you are considering what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the xray technician program as well.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the radiographer program you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Newport News VA area, confirm that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Top X Ray Tech Schools Newport News VA
Picking the best x-ray tech college is a critical first step toward launching a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best possible patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Top X Ray Tech Schools and wanting more information on the topic Where to Find Night Radiology Technician Schools. However, as we have discussed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are assessing before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the right training and your commitment to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a X-ray tech in Newport News VA.
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Newport News, Virginia
Newport News is an independent city in the U.S. state of Virginia. As of the 2010 census, the population was 180,719.[6] In 2013, the population was estimated to be 183,412,[7] making it the fifth-most populous city in Virginia.
Newport News is included in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. It is at the southeastern end of the Virginia Peninsula, on the northern shore of the James River extending southeast from Skiffe's Creek along many miles of waterfront to the river's mouth at Newport News Point on the harbor of Hampton Roads. The area now known as Newport News was once a part of Warwick County. Warwick County was one of the eight original shires of Virginia, formed by the House of Burgesses in the British Colony of Virginia by order of King Charles I in 1634. The county was largely composed of farms and undeveloped land until almost 250 years later.[citation needed]
In 1881, fifteen years of explosive development began under the leadership of Collis P. Huntington, whose new Peninsula Extension of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway from Richmond opened up means of transportation along the Peninsula and provided a new pathway for the railroad to bring West Virginia bituminous coal to port for coastal shipping and worldwide export. With the new railroad came a terminal and coal piers where the colliers were loaded. Within a few years, Huntington and his associates also built a large shipyard. In 1896, the new incorporated town of Newport News, which had briefly replaced Denbigh as the county seat of Warwick County, had a population of 9,000. In 1958, by mutual consent by referendum, Newport News was consolidated with the former Warwick County (itself a separate city from 1952 to 1958), rejoining the two localities to approximately their pre-1896 geographic size. The more widely known name of Newport News was selected as they formed what was then Virginia's third largest independent city in population.[citation needed]
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