Accredited Radiology Technician Programs Harrisonburg VA 22801 Archives

How to Select an X-Ray Technician Program near Harrisonburg Virginia

Harrisonburg VA x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Harrisonburg VA so you can learn to be a radiology technician. And now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you go about choosing the right college and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the schools you are considering in order to evaluate each program. A number of potential students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location must be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifications also. For example, you should ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic technician does and the credentials and education options that are available.

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X-Ray Technician Job Description

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the same principal job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Harrisonburg VA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might work with include:

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

Radiographers have to maintain their equipment plus regularly analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Harrisonburg VA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Harrisonburg VA The basic prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have received 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 course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to keep in mind is that Harrisonburg VA radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. 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 any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Virginia or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, based on the state where you will be employed you may have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so check with your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many offer additional alternatives for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Harrisonburg VA employers favor hiring 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 in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Harrisonburg 22801 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So although you can still earn your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is often carried out in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Harrisonburg VA residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree often find that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are frequently cheaper than traditional options. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be reduced also. But just make certain that the online college you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.

Points to Ask Radiographer Colleges

After you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and assessing Harrisonburg VA x-ray technician colleges. You will also need to decide 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 cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining factor also. But along with location and cost, what else should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn 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 X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? Most xray technician colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations 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 a detailed evaluation of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it might also obtain 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 securing financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Harrisonburg VA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask if the Virginia radiology technician schools you are reviewing have partnerships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific manner to receive hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist students and graduates form professional connections in the Harrisonburg VA medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Harrisonburg VA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they pick will need to be within travelling distance of their Harrisonburg VA home. Those who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. One thing to keep 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 might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Harrisonburg VA schools you are looking at what the average teacher to student 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 an opportunity to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech school you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Harrisonburg VA, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family obligations.

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

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer prospects is "What made you select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and talents you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a certain number of typical interview questions, so you must prepare several approaches about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the talents you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down several ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Choose the Best Radiology Technician College near Harrisonburg VA

Enrolling in the appropriate x-ray technician college is a crucial first step toward starting a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed 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. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As has been covered in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are considering before making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Harrisonburg VA.

Some Background on Harrisonburg Virginia

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Harrisonburg is an independent city in the Shenandoah Valley region of the U.S. state of Virginia. As of the 2010 census, the population was 48,914,[6] with a census-estimated 2016 population of 53,078.[7] Harrisonburg is the county seat of the surrounding Rockingham County,[8] although the two are separate jurisdictions. The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the city of Harrisonburg with Rockingham County for statistical purposes into the Harrisonburg, Virginia Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has a 2011 estimated population of 126,562.[9]

Harrisonburg is home to James Madison University (JMU), a public research university with an enrollment of over 20,000 students,[10] and Eastern Mennonite University (EMU), a private, Mennonite-affiliated liberal arts university. Although the city has no historical association with President James Madison, JMU was nonetheless named in his honor as Madison College in 1938 and renamed as James Madison University in 1977.[11] EMU largely owes it existence to the sizable Mennonite population in the Shenandoah Valley, to which many Pennsylvania Dutch settlers arrived beginning in the mid-18th century in search of rich, unsettled farmland.[12]

The city has become a bastion of ethnic and linguistic diversity in recent years. Over 1,900 refugees have been settled in Harrisonburg since 2002.[13] As of 2014, Hispanics or Latinos of any race comprise 19% of the city's population.[14]Harrisonburg City Public Schools (HCPS) students speak 55 languages in addition to English, with Spanish, Arabic, and Kurdish being the most common languages spoken.[15] Over one-third of HCPS students are English as a second language (ESL) learners.[16]Language learning software company Rosetta Stone was founded in Harrisonburg in 1992,[17] and the multilingual "Welcome Your Neighbors" yard sign originated in Harrisonburg in 2016.[13]

The earliest documented English exploration of the area prior to settlement was the "Knights of the Golden Horseshoe Expedition", led by Lt. Gov. Alexander Spotswood, who reached Elkton, and whose rangers continued and in 1716 likely passed through what is now Harrisonburg.

Harrisonburg, previously known as "Rocktown", was named for Thomas Harrison, a son of English settlers.[19] In 1737, Harrison settled in the Shenandoah Valley, eventually laying claim to over 12,000 acres (4,900 ha) situated at the intersection of the Spotswood Trail and the main Native American road through the valley.[20]