Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Flint Hill VA 22627 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose a Radiologic Technician College near Flint Hill Virginia

Flint Hill VA x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Flint Hill VA so you can train to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you set about selecting the right college and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you assess each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. Many prospective students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location should be taken into account, there are additional significant qualifiers also. 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 colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the degrees and education choices that are offered.

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Radiology Tech Occupation Summary

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the same major job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They may practice in Flint Hill VA hospitals, clinics, private 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 must take care of their equipment plus routinely analyze its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Flint Hill VA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Flint Hill VA The basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option 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 2 years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable also. Something to keep in mind is that Flint Hill VA radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Virginia or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be employed you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number accept additional options for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, many Flint Hill VA employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it could improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Flint Hill 22627 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools 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 obtain your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is typically provided in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Flint Hill VA home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are generally less costly than conventional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be decreased also. But just be sure that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the right choice for you.

Points to Ask Radiographer Programs

As soon as you have selected the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of searching for and assessing Flint Hill VA x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a material variable as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when reviewing colleges? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn 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 assessing.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of xray technician schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it might 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. In addition to guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Flint Hill VA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Find out if the Virginia xray tech schools you are assessing have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Flint Hill VA medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the radiographer programs you are reviewing 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 great relationships with Flint Hill VA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will need to be within travelling distance of their Flint Hill VA home. Those who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Flint Hill VA colleges you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the x-ray tech program you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Flint Hill VA, make sure that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to review questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask radiographer applicants is "What made you pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not merely the personal reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what qualities and abilities you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must ready several strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Because there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Pick the Ideal Radiology Tech School near Flint Hill VA

Enrolling in the best radiology technician school is a critical first step toward initiating a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs frequently stand for the majority of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best available patient care. As we have covered in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are considering prior to making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you opt for an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Flint Hill VA.

Some Background on Flint Hill Virginia

Flint Hill School

Flint Hill School, founded in 1956, is a private, co-educational, college preparatory school, in Oakton, Virginia, serving grades JK–12. Flint Hill's campus is located in Fairfax County, approximately 20 miles from Washington, D.C.

Flint Hill School was founded in 1956 by Don Niklason as Flint Hill Preparatory School, a co-educational day school with 18 students in grades K-8.[1].

Students attended classes in the Miller House, an estate home belonging to the Francis Pickens Miller Family, which now serves as an administrative facility on campus.

In 1986, Flint Hill purchased 13 acres of property several blocks away at the corner of Chain Bridge and Jermantown Road, and the original Miller House was transported to the new campus.[2] In 1990, a new ownership group acquired the school and reorganized it as Flint Hill School, a nonprofit educational organization. The 1990-1991 academic year began on the new campus with 65 faculty members and an enrollment of 425 students in grades K-12.

In 1990, with the new academic building only partially finished and the funding for its completion in doubt, a group of educational and civic leaders from Northern Virginia, led by Mr. John T. Hazel, Jr., acquired the school, and reorganized it to its current form as Flint Hill School, a nonprofit independent day school. The 1990-1991 academic year began on the new campus with 65 faculty members and an enrollment of 425 students, K-12. By the late 1990s, with more than 700 students there was a need to expand. In 1998, Flint Hill acquired several parcels of property totaling 30 acres within one mile of the existing campus. Classes began at the new facility on September 10, 2001. As of the 2013-14 academic year, the school consisted of two campuses, more than 1,100 students and 200 faculty & staff members.