Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Wattsville VA 23483 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiologic Tech Program near Wattsville Virginia

Wattsville VA x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Wattsville VA in order to learn to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have decided to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about choosing the ideal college and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And because most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. A number of prospective students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location must be taken into account, there are other important qualifiers also. For instance, you should ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the degrees and education options that are available.

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X-Ray Technician Occupation Description

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same primary job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They may practice in Wattsville VA hospitals, clinics, family 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 maintain their equipment and routinely analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Wattsville VA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Wattsville VA The basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, generally requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are appropriate as well. Something to consider is that Wattsville VA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may often be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Virginia or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an Radiologist school, depending on the state where you will be working you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria differ 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 purpose of licensing, but a number accept additional options for testing also. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Wattsville VA employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technologist Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Wattsville 23483 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree schools. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is typically carried out in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Wattsville VA home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently cheaper than on-campus alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be lessened as well. But just be sure that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.

What to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

After you have selected the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of finding and assessing Wattsville VA x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The price 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 comparing schools? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these important details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of xray technician schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative 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 gone through a rigorous review of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Wattsville VA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.

Are Internships Offered? Ask if the Virginia radiology tech colleges you are reviewing have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent means to get hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist students and graduates form professional connections in the Wattsville VA health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the radiographer schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Wattsville VA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they decide on will have to be within travelling distance of their Wattsville VA home. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need 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 live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Wattsville VA schools you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student 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 must verify that the radiographer school you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Wattsville VA, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to review questions you may be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers typically ask radiographer prospects is "What made you select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not merely the private reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but also what attributes and skills you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you should ready a number of ideas about how you want to answer them. Since there are several factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down several ideas and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Pick the Best Radiology Technician College near Wattsville VA

Selecting the best radiology technician school is a crucial first step toward beginning a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the working day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray 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 good work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As has been discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the right education and your motivation to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Wattsville VA.

Some Background on Wattsville Virginia

Virginia State Route 175

State Route 175 (SR 175) is a primary state highway in the U.S. state of Virginia. Known as Chincoteague Road, the state highway runs 10.49 miles (16.88 km) from U.S. Route 13 (US 13) at Nash Corner east to Main Street in Chincoteague. SR 175 passes through the northeastern corner of Accomack County, providing the primary access to NASA's Wallops Flight Facility and both Chincoteague Island and the Virginia portion of Assateague Island. The route travels between the mainland and Chincoteague Island along the John B. Whealton Memorial Causeway.

In 1928, SR 520 was designated to run from US 13 in Oak Hall east toward Chincoteague Island, being extended onto the island in 1930. The route was extended south along US 13 and west to a railroad crossing west of Oak Hall in 1930. SR 520 became SR 175 in the 1933 Virginia state highway renumbering. SR 175 was extended south on Main Street in Chincoteague a year later and east on Beebe Road the following year, at which time a spur route known as SR 175Y was designated onto the northern portion of Main Street. The western terminus was moved to its current location in 1947, with the section west of US 13 becoming part of SR 703. SR 175 was routed to bypass Wallops Station to the south in 1954. In 1992, the section of SR 175 in Chincoteague, along with all of SR 175Y, was transferred to the secondary system. SR 175 was rerouted to bypass Marsh Island and a swing bridge over Chincoteague Channel with a new bascule bridge further north in 2010, tying into Main Street at Maddox Boulevard. The former swing bridge was demolished and a spur off the new bridge was built to serve Marsh Island.

SR 175 begins at an intersection with US 13 (Lankford Highway) at Nash Corner 4 miles (6.4 km) south of the Maryland state line. The state highway heads east as a two-lane undivided road through a mix of farmland and woodland. Upon reaching the community of Wattsville, the highway intersects SR 679 (Fleming Road) and SR 798 (Mill Dam Road). The road crosses over Wallops Pond, an impoundment of Wattsville Branch of Mosquito Creek, onto Wallops Island. SR 175 heads east, intersecting SR 798 (Atlantic Avenue) again, then curves north through Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuge and around NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, a rocket launch site operated as a subsidiary of Goddard Space Flight Center. While heading north parallel to one of the flight facility's runways, the state highway passes the NASA Visitor Center. SR 175 curves to the east as it passes the main entrance to the flight facility.[2][3][4]

SR 175 heads east onto the John B. Whealton Memorial Causeway between the mainland and Chincoteague Island. The causeway passes over marshland adjacent to the southern end of Chincoteague Bay and includes bridges over Mosquito Creek, Cockle Creek, Queen Sound Channel, and Wire Narrows. A fifth bridge curves to the north and then east around the northern end of Marsh Island to cross Black Narrows and Chincoteague Channel onto Chincoteague Island. The bridge has a bascule span over Chincoteague Channel and lands on Chincoteague Island north of the downtown area. Marsh Island is served by a connector bridge that meets SR 175 over Black Narrows. SR 175 reaches its eastern terminus at Main Street in the town of Chincoteague. The roadway continues east as Maddox Boulevard toward Assateague Island.[2][3][4] SR 175 serves as the access road from US 13 to both Chincoteague and the Virginia section of Assateague Island.[5]

A causeway linking Chincoteague Island to the mainland was proposed by John B. Whealton, who formed the Chincoteague Toll Road and Bridge Company in 1919. On November 15, 1922, the causeway to Chincoteague Island was completed. Tolls were collected on the causeway until 1930.[6] The road between US 13 in Oak Hall and Chincoteague Island became a part of the state highway system as SR 520 in August 1928.[7] The route was extended onto Chincoteague Island in June 1930.[8] In December of that year, SR 520 was extended south on US 13 and west along CR 107 to a railroad crossing west of Oak Hall.[9] In the 1933 Virginia state highway renumbering, SR 520 was replaced with SR 175.[10] In August 1934, SR 175 was extended south along Main Street in Chincoteague on the former SR 717.[11] A year later, the route was extended east along Beebe Road to the boundary of Chincoteague.[12] The western terminus of SR 175 was cut back to its current location at US 13 in June 1947, with an extension of SR 703 replacing the small section of the route that extended west from US 13.[13] SR 175 was rerouted to bypass the Wallops Station facility to the south in May 1954; SR 798 was assigned to part of the former alignment.[14][15] The SR 175 designation was removed from Main Street and Beebe Road in June 1992 when that stretch of road was transferred to the secondary system, leaving the eastern terminus at Main Street just east of the causeway onto the island.[16]