How to Select the Right X-Ray Technician College near Stafford Virginia
So you have made the decision to enroll in an X-ray tech school near Stafford VA in order to become a radiologic technician. But now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you go about choosing the ideal school and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. Most potential students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifications as well. For example, you must find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the X-ray Tech schools you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology technician does and the degrees and education options that are available.
X-Ray Tech Career Description in Stafford VA
There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same fundamental job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They may practice in Stafford VA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 also routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
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X-Ray Technician Degrees Available near Stafford VA
The basic requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, usually takes 18 months to two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to finish and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component 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 Stafford VA or their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Virginia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an Radiologist school, based on the state where you will be working you might need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many approve other alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, many Stafford area employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase your career options in and around Stafford VA to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as 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 Radiology Technician Programs
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree programs. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is typically conducted in Stafford VA hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Stafford home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically find that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are generally less costly than on-campus alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online school you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online school may be the best option for you.
Questions to Ask X Ray Tech Programs
When you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of looking for and evaluating x-ray tech schools near Stafford VA. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a material factor also. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are looking at.
Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive review of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Stafford VA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.
Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the radiology tech colleges you are evaluating have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent way to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Stafford VA medical community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in Stafford VA in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Virginia healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they decide on will need to be within travelling distance of their Stafford VA residence. Those who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Stafford VA colleges you are looking at 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 a chance to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the xray technician program as well.
Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer program you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in the Stafford VA area, confirm that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, 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 may miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Accredited Online X-Ray Technician Schools Stafford VA
Choosing the appropriate radiology technician degree program is a critical first step toward starting a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available patient care. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Accredited Online X-Ray Technician Schools and wanting more information on the topic Free Info on Fast Track X Ray Tech Schools. However, as we have discussed in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each program you are looking at before making your final decision. This is equally true whether you opt for an online school or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each program so you can narrow down your options before making your decision. And with the proper training and your dedication to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiographer in Stafford VA.
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Stafford, Virginia
Stafford is a census-designated place (listed as Stafford Courthouse) in and the county seat of Stafford County in the northern part of the U.S. Commonwealth of Virginia.[1] The population of Stafford as of the 2010 United States Census was 4,320.[2] It lies 10 miles (16 km) north of Fredericksburg, approximately 40 miles (64 km) south of Washington, D.C., and about 60 miles (97 km) north of Richmond, the state capital. Marine Corps Base Quantico is located north of the community. Stafford Courthouse is located at the intersections of U.S. Highway 1, and Courthouse Road.
English sea captain Samuel Argall abducted the Pamunkey princess Pocahontas near this area on April 13, 1613, while she was residing with her Patawomeck husband, Kocoum, in an attempt to secure some English prisoners for release and ammunition held by her father. It occurred in the northeastern part of this county, from where the colonists took her to a secondary English settlement, known as Henricus or Henrico Town. The vicar Alexander Whitaker converted Pocahontas to Christianity during her captivity. He renamed her "Rebecca" at her baptism. Rebecca married English colonist John Rolfe on April 5, 1614, in Jamestown.[3][4]
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