How to Enroll in the Right Radiologic Tech Course near Springfield Virginia
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Springfield VA in order to learn to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you go about selecting the ideal school and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And since most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently work you may need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you assess each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. Many students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifiers as well. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are evaluating are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology tech does and the degrees and education options that are available.
X-Ray Technician Occupation Summary in Springfield VA
There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They can practice in Springfield 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 must care for their equipment and frequently evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
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Radiology Technician Degrees Offered near Springfield VA
The standard requirement for attending an x-ray tech school is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. 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 technicians, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish and is more expansive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to bear in mind is that radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may frequently be satisfied by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in Springfield VA or their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Virginia or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiographer Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many accept other alternatives for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Springfield area employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may improve your career options in and around Springfield VA to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Tech Colleges
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So while you can still earn your online degree, a large amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is usually conducted in Springfield VA family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Springfield residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online style of education is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are often less costly than conventional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just be sure that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then online classes may be the best option for you.
Points to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools
Once you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of locating and evaluating x-ray tech colleges near Springfield VA. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be an important factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these important details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are looking at.
Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology tech schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed review of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Springfield VA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level jobs.
Are Internships Provided? Ask if the radiology tech programs you are evaluating have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional relationships in the Springfield VA health care community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in Springfield VA in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Virginia healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they pick will have to be within travelling distance of their Springfield VA residence. Individuals who have opted 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 consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Springfield VA schools you are reviewing what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the xray tech school you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in the Springfield VA area, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Accredited X-Ray Technician Programs Springfield VA
Enrolling in the ideal radiology technician college is a critical first step toward starting a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs often stand for the majority of the day and position and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Accredited X-Ray Technician Programs and wanting more information on the topic Free Info on Accredited Schools For X Ray Techs. However, as has been covered in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are considering prior to making your final decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each college so you can focus your choices and make your decision. And with the proper education and your dedication to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiographer in Springfield VA.
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Springfield, Virginia
Springfield is a census-designated place (CDP) in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States. The Springfield CDP is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau with a population of 30,484 as of the 2010 census. Homes and businesses in bordering CDPs including North Springfield, West Springfield, and Newington are usually given a "Springfield" mailing address. The population of the collective areas with Springfield addresses is estimated to exceed 100,000. The CDP is a part of Northern Virginia, the most populous region of the Washington Metropolitan Area.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 7.9 square miles (20.4 km²), of which, 7.9 square miles (20.3 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km²) of it (0.49%) is water.
The area is dominated by the interchange of I-95, I-395, and the Capital Beltway (I-495), known as the Springfield Interchange. The center of the town is at the intersection of Route 644 (Old Keene Mill Road / Franconia Road) and Route 617 (Backlick Road) adjacent to the interchange. A significant commercial district exists around the interchange area, but the rest of the community is primarily residential in character.
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