Accredited Radiology Technician Programs Colonial Heights VA 23834 Archives

How to Choose an Xray Tech College near Colonial Heights Virginia

Colonial Heights VA x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Colonial Heights VA in order to train to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have made a decision to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you undertake selecting the ideal school and program to ensure that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And because the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you research each of the schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. Many students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and typically settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifications as well. For instance, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the degrees and education options that are offered.

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Radiology Technician Work Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same primary job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Colonial Heights VA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may utilize 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 and also frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Colonial Heights VA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Colonial Heights VA The basic requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time 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 additional similar majors that are appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that Colonial Heights VA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Virginia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so get in touch with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number offer other options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Colonial Heights VA employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Colonial Heights 23834 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a large portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is often performed in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Colonial Heights VA home. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically find that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are often less expensive than traditional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be reduced as well. But just confirm that the online college you choose 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 school may be the right choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiographer Schools

Once you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing Colonial Heights VA x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a determining variable also. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology technician schools have earned some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Colonial Heights VA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Ask if the Virginia xray tech programs you are interested in have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to get practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Colonial Heights VA medical community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Colonial Heights VA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they decide on will have to be within commuting distance of their Colonial Heights VA home. Students who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Colonial Heights 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 students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the x-ray tech school you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Colonial Heights VA, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours 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 work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become a Radiology Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to review questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not only the personal reasons you may have for being an Xray technician, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you should organize some strategies about how you would like to address them. Considering there are numerous factors that go into choosing 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 perfiect candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down a few concepts and talking points that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Select the Best X-Ray Tech College near Colonial Heights VA

Picking the appropriate x-ray technician degree program is a crucial first step toward beginning a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the majority of the workday and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray 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 available care to patients. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each program you are looking at before making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices and make your decision. And with the proper education and your commitment to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a radiology tech in Colonial Heights VA.

Some Background on Colonial Heights Virginia

Colonial Heights, Virginia

Colonial Heights is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2010 census, the population was 17,411.[3] The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the City of Colonial Heights (along with the City of Petersburg) with Dinwiddie County for statistical purposes.

Colonial Heights is located in the Tri-Cities area of the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).

Like much of eastern Virginia, the site of Colonial Heights was located within the Algonquian-speaking confederation known as Tenakomakah, ruled by Chief Powhatan, when the English colonists arrived at Jamestown on May 14, 1607. Captain John Smith's early map of Virginia testifies that the present area of Colonial Heights included the principal town of the Appamattuck subtribe, led by their weroance, Coquonasum, and his sister, Oppussoquionuske. In the aftermath of the Indian attacks of 1622 and 1644, the Appamattuck became tributary to England and relocated to nearby Ettrick, and its opposite bank, near Fort Henry (within modern-day Petersburg, Virginia).

The area including present-day Colonial Heights was made a part of "Henrico Cittie", one of 4 huge "incorporations" formed in the Virginia Colony in 1619 by the London Company. English colonists first settled in the Colonial Heights area in 1620. A small group sailed up the Appomattox River looking for clear land, and finally settled in an area where Swift Creek runs into the Appomattox River, which they named Conjurer's Neck. This confluence was formerly the residence of a Native American healer (known as a "conjurer") who was thought to have cast spells over the waters.

Shortly thereafter, Charles Magnor registered the first land patent in the area for 650 acres (2.6 km2), which he later developed into a plantation before selling it in 1634. That same year, by order of King Charles I of England, the Virginia Colony was divided into the 8 original shires of Virginia by the House of Burgesses, one of which was Henrico County, which included the future land of Colonial Heights.