Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Woodlawn VA 24381 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find a Radiology Technician School near Woodlawn Virginia

Woodlawn VA x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Woodlawn VA so you can train to be a radiology technician. And now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you undertake choosing the ideal school and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. A number of students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are other critical qualifications as well. For example, you must ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and training choices that are available.

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Radiology Tech Job Description

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical fundamental job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Woodlawn 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 maintain their equipment plus routinely evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Woodlawn VA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Woodlawn VA The primary prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, usually requires 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that Woodlawn VA radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from any 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.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist college, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several approve other alternatives for testing also. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Woodlawn VA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it could improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, 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 Woodlawn 24381 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So while you can still earn your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is often provided in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Woodlawn VA residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online style of learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less expensive than traditional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be decreased as well. But just make sure that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the right option for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Programs

When you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of searching for and assessing Woodlawn 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 cost of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But along with location and cost, what more should you look at when comparing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of radiology technician schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to make sure that the school and program are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. 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 quality education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Woodlawn VA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the Virginia radiology tech colleges you are evaluating have relationships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to get hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional relationships in the Woodlawn VA healthcare community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Woodlawn VA healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they pick will have to be within commuting distance of their Woodlawn VA residence. Those who have opted to attend online classes naturally 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 decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Woodlawn VA colleges you are researching what the typical student to teacher 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 speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer program you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Woodlawn VA, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Be an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to review questions you might be asked. Among the things that hiring managers often ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not merely the private reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what attributes and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, in addition to a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare some approaches about how you would like to address them. Since there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the talents you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down a few concepts and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can help you to prepare your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Choose the Best X-Ray Technician Program near Woodlawn VA

Enrolling in the best x-ray technician degree program is an important first step toward beginning a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As we have covered in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing prior to making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices and make your decision. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to be successful, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiology tech in Woodlawn VA.

Some Background on Woodlawn Virginia

Woodlawn (plantation)

Woodlawn Plantation is a historic house located in Fairfax County, Virginia. Originally a part of Mount Vernon, George Washington's historic plantation estate, it was subdivided in the 19th century by abolitionists to demonstrate the viability of a free labor system. The address is now 9000 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, Virginia, but due to expansion of Fort Belvoir and reconstruction of historic Route 1, access is via Woodlawn Road slightly south of Jeff Todd Way/State Route 235. The house is a designated National Historic Landmark, primarily for its association with the Washington family, but also for the role it played in the historic preservation movement. It is now a museum property owned and managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

George Washington planned the house to overlook Dogue Creek as well as be visible from (and viewing) Mount Vernon. In 1799 he gave the plantation (2,000 acres (810 ha) of land as well as gristmill and distillery) as a wedding present to Eleanor ("Nelly" or "Nellie") Parke Custis (Martha Washington's granddaughter who was raised on the Mount Vernon estate), and his nephew Major Lawrence Lewis. The President asked architect Dr. William Thornton, who had designed the U.S. Capitol, to design them a house.[4]

Construction began in 1800 and was finished in 1805. Today, 126 acres containing the original house, surrounding gardens and a small sustainable farm are all that remain of the original plantation.

President Washington freed his slaves in his will (though not those belonging to his wife), and Nellie Custis Lewis followed his example and became a leading abolitionist in Virginia. The Lewis family operated the farm using about 90 slaves, but Nellie manumitted some slaves, as well as was active in the American Colonization Society. In late 1846, she sold the property to a group of Burlington County, New Jersey Quakers from outside Philadelphia led by Chalkley Gillingham (1807–1881) and Jacob Troth.[5] They harvested wood and began subdividing it into smaller farms to demonstrate that a free labor system could work at least as well as slave labor. The Quakers founded a cemetery and built a meetinghouse nearby in 1851 (for the Fairfax Section of the Alexandria Friends Meeting).

Circa 1850, the Quakers sold Woodlawn house and some land to Baptist John Mason, who likewise refused to use slave labor. By 1859, he and his wife operated a Sunday School on the property. After the American Civil War, his sons Ebenezer E. Mason and Otis T. Mason would found a Baptist church and burial ground across from the Quaker meetinghouse. Eben Mason and Quaker John Hawxhurst were Fairfax County's two Unionist delegates to the Wheeling Convention of 1861 which established the state of West Virginia. Hawxhurst would become one of Fairfax County's delegates to the Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1868.