Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Dahlgren VA 22448 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick a Radiologic Tech School near Dahlgren Virginia

Dahlgren VA x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Dahlgren VA so you can learn to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you undertake choosing the right college and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And because most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are considering in order to compare each program. A number of potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the lowest cost. But while cost and location must be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifications as well. For example, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and training choices that are available.

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Radiology Technician Work Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the same principal job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They can practice in Dahlgren VA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may work with include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must maintain their equipment plus frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Dahlgren VA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Dahlgren VA The basic prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, generally requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate also. Something to bear in mind is that Dahlgren VA radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can typically be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification 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, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many offer other options for testing also. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Dahlgren VA employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Dahlgren 22448 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is often carried out in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Dahlgren VA home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online style of learning is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are often cheaper than traditional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just make 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 right option for you.

Points to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

Once you have chosen the type of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of finding and evaluating Dahlgren VA x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But along with location and cost, what else should you look at when comparing schools? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of radiology technician schools have received some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still imperative to make sure that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected 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 gone through a detailed review of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Dahlgren VA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the Virginia radiology tech colleges you are evaluating have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Dahlgren VA medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the radiographer schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Dahlgren VA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they pick will need to be within commuting distance of their Dahlgren VA home. Those who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person 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 allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Dahlgren VA colleges you are considering what the typical 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 determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer school you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Dahlgren VA, make certain that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Become an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What drove you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not only the personal reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what characteristics and talents you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you must ready several approaches about how you want to address them. Considering there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the job. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down some ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Enroll in the Ideal Radiology Tech Program near Dahlgren VA

Choosing the right radiology tech degree program is a critical first step toward beginning a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the working day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As has been addressed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are assessing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can assess and compare each college so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the proper training and your dedication to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a radiology tech in Dahlgren VA.

Some Background on Dahlgren Virginia

Dahlgren, Virginia

Dahlgren is a census-designated place (CDP) in King George County, Virginia, United States. The population was 2,655 at the 2010 census, a large increase from the 997 reported in 2000.[3] The community is located within the Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace American Viticultural Area winemaking appellation established by the United States government.

Since 1918, Dahlgren has been the site of a U.S. Naval base named for Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren. It was then the "U.S. Naval Proving Ground" but was renamed, after 1950, "U.S. Naval Weapons Laboratory", in 1974, the "Naval Surface Weapons Center","in 1987 the "Naval Surface Warfare Center", and around 1990, as the "U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD)". In 2006, it was renamed "Naval Support Activity-South Potomac (NSA-SP)", with NSWCDD becoming a tenant command of the base. The "U.S. Naval Space Surveillance Systems" command was located at that base, but that responsibility was transferred to the Air Force in 2004.[4] The AEGIS Training and Readiness Center is currently a tenant command at NSA-SP.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.1 square miles (2.9 km²), all of it land.

As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 997 people, 456 households, and 260 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 885.2 people per square mile (340.7/km²). There were 510 housing units at an average density of 452.8/sq mi (174.3/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 70.31% White, 25.28% African American, 0.30% Native American, 1.50% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 0.60% from other races, and 1.91% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.71% of the population. As of the 2010 census[1] the population had more than doubled, although the makeup was largely the same, with whites edging down as a percentage from 70.31% to 61.4%, blacks up from 25.28% to 30.5%, %, Hispanics up from 1.71% to 4.1%, and those reporting mixed race up from 1.91% to 3.8%.

There were 456 households out of which 24.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.2% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.8% were non-families. 36.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.85.