West Virginia Archives - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find an X-Ray Tech College near Rupert West Virginia

Rupert WV x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Rupert WV so you can train to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you set about choosing the ideal school and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified professional? And because most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Many potential students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and typically gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are additional critical qualifications also. For example, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and education choices that are offered.

Radiology Tech Job Description

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same primary 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 provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Rupert WV clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may utilize include:

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

Radiographers have to care for their equipment and regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Rupert WV medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Rupert WV The basic prerequisite for attending a radiology tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate 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 finish and is more expansive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to keep in mind is that Rupert WV radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may frequently be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing requirements in West Virginia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many provide other options for testing also. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. However, many Rupert WV employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it may improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technologist Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Rupert 25984 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is typically performed in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Rupert WV home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically discover that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are often less expensive than on-campus alternatives. Along with lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials can be reduced as well. But just be sure that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the best option for you.

Topics to Ask Radiographer Schools

When you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of looking for and assessing Rupert WV x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when comparing colleges? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of xray tech colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations 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 examination of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Rupert WV health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level jobs.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the West Virginia xray technician programs you are assessing have partnerships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to receive hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the Rupert WV health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Rupert WV healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the school they choose will have to be within driving distance of their Rupert WV residence. Students who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges commonly 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 student that prefers to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Rupert WV schools you are reviewing 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 ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer program you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Rupert WV, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Become an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to review questions you might be asked. One of the questions that interviewers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not only the personal reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but additionally what attributes and talents you possess that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, as well as a significant number of standard interview questions, so you need to ready a number of strategies about how you want to respond to them. Considering there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down some ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right X-Ray Tech Program near Rupert WV

Selecting the appropriate radiology technician school is a critical first step toward initiating a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the day and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best available care to patients. As we have discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are assessing before making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Rupert WV.

Some Background on Rupert West Virginia

Rupert, West Virginia

Rupert is a town in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 942 at the 2010 census. Cyrus A. Rupert first came to Greenbrier County, West Virginia (Virginia) about 1829 when he was seventeen years old. Cyrus, the seventh of eleven children, was born at Point Pleasant, Virginia on October 7, 1812. His parents were Henry Rupert and Naomi Henkle Rupert. Apparently, Cyrus chose to go to Greenbrier County to be with his brothers, Gideon and Paul, who were running a general store at Clintonville. Cyrus' father, Henry, died in 1835 and most of the family, including Gideon, then migrated westward to Pekin, Illinois. Paul moved to Louisville, Kentucky, but Cyrus chose to stay in Greenbrier County. Why Cyrus and his brothers came to Greenbrier County is not known. However, there were Henkles in the area and were possibly related to their mother.[citation needed]

Cyrus became friends with Andrew McClung and it is probably through him that Cyrus began to acquire property near the mouth of Big Clear Creek. This property became the basis for a settlement that would later become Rupert, West Virginia.[citation needed]

Rupert is located at 37°57′52″N 80°41′17″W / 37.96444°N 80.68806°W / 37.96444; -80.68806 (37.964413, -80.688171).[6]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.79 square miles (2.05 km2), of which, 0.77 square miles (1.99 km2) is land and 0.02 square miles (0.05 km2) is water.[1]

As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 942 people, 431 households, and 243 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,223.4 inhabitants per square mile (472.4/km2). There were 509 housing units at an average density of 661.0 per square mile (255.2/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 98.8% White, 0.4% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.1% from other races, and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.1% of the population.