Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Fredericksburg VA 22401

How to Choose an X-Ray Tech School near Fredericksburg Virginia

Fredericksburg VA x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Fredericksburg VA in order to learn to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about choosing the ideal college and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And since the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Many potential students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be taken into account, there are additional important qualifications as well. For instance, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology tech does and the credentials and training choices that are available.

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X-Ray Technician Job Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the same major job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They may practice in Fredericksburg VA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may 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 plus regularly assess its performance and safety. They are also required to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Fredericksburg VA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Fredericksburg VA The standard requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, usually requires 18 months to two years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more expansive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Fredericksburg VA radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can typically be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Virginia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be practicing you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number provide additional alternatives for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Fredericksburg VA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technologist Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Fredericksburg 22401 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is typically performed in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Fredericksburg VA home. Students who continue working while earning their degree often discover that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are often less expensive than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But just confirm that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the best option for you.

What to Ask Radiologic Tech Colleges

Once you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of searching for and assessing Fredericksburg VA x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be an important variable also. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details before you make your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology tech schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among 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 an extensive assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Fredericksburg VA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internships Sponsored? Inquire if the Virginia radiology tech schools you are assessing have partnerships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to get hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional relationships in the Fredericksburg VA medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the radiographer programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Fredericksburg VA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will have to be within driving distance of their Fredericksburg VA residence. Those who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble 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 school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently 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 likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Fredericksburg VA schools you are looking at what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. 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 converse with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program as well.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the radiographer school you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Fredericksburg VA, make sure that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Become an X-Ray Tech?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to consider questions you might be asked. Among the things that hiring managers typically ask radiographer prospects is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not just the private reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what attributes and abilities you have that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you must ready a number of strategies about how you would like to address them. Since there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down several concepts and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can help you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Choose the Ideal Radiology Technician School near Fredericksburg VA

Choosing the ideal x-ray technician school is an important first step toward starting a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with 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. Having social skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As we have discussed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are considering before making your final selection. 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 program so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiographer in Fredericksburg VA.

Some Background on Fredericksburg Virginia

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Fredericksburg is an independent city located in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 24,286,[1] up from 19,279 at the 2000 census. The city population was estimated at 28,118 in 2015.[2] The Bureau of Economic Analysis of the United States Department of Commerce combines the city of Fredericksburg with neighboring Spotsylvania County for statistical purposes.

Located 45 miles (72 km) south of Washington, D.C. and 58 miles (93 km) north of Richmond, Fredericksburg is part of the Northern Virginia region[5][6] and is included in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Located near where the Rappahannock River crosses the Atlantic Seaboard fall line, Fredericksburg was a prominent port in Virginia during the colonial era. During the Civil War, the town, located halfway between the capitals of the opposing forces, was the site of the Battle of Fredericksburg and Second Battle of Fredericksburg, preserved in part as the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. More than 10,000 African Americans in the region left slavery for freedom in 1862 alone, getting behind Union lines. Tourism is a major part of the economy, with approximately 1.5 million people visiting the Fredericksburg area annually, including the battlefield park, the downtown visitor center, events, museums and historic sites.[7]

Fredericksburg is home to several major retail and commercial centers including Central Park (as of 2004, the second-largest mall on the East Coast) and Spotsylvania Towne Centre, located in Spotsylvania County adjacent to the city line. Major employers include the University of Mary Washington, Mary Washington Healthcare, and GEICO. Many Fredericksburg-area residents commute to work by car, bus, and rail to Washington and Richmond, as well as Fairfax, Prince William, and Arlington counties.[8][9][10][11]

At the time of European encounter, the indigenous inhabitants of the area that became Fredericksburg were a Siouan-speaking tribe called the Manahoac. English colonists recorded the name of the Manahoac village there as Mahaskahod.[12] Siouan tribes occupied much of the area of the Piedmont. The Tidewater areas of the coastal plain had primarily Algonquian-speaking tribes making up the Powhatan Confederacy.