Accredited Radiology Technician Programs Staunton VA 24401 Archives

How to Pick a Radiologic Tech School near Staunton Virginia

Staunton VA x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Staunton VA in order to become a radiology technologist. And now that you have made a decision to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you undertake choosing the ideal school and program to ensure that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And considering that most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. Most potential students begin 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 account, there are other significant qualifiers also. For instance, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training options that are offered.

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Radiology Technician Job Summary

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. No matter what the name, they all have the same major job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They may work in Staunton VA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 care for their equipment plus regularly analyze its performance and safety. They are also required to retain in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Staunton VA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degrees

x-ray machine in Staunton VA The basic requirement for attending an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more extensive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that Staunton VA radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may often be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Virginia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites 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 purpose of licensing, but several approve other options for testing also. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Staunton VA employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Staunton 24401 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree programs. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is often conducted in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Staunton VA home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online style of education is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are generally cheaper than on-campus options. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just make certain that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then online classes may be the right choice for you.

Questions to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

Once you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can initiate the process of searching for and evaluating Staunton VA x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and ancillary expenses will be an important factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you should ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these important details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Tech Programs Accredited? Most xray tech schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to verify that the program and school 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 undergone an extensive review of their instructors 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 recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Staunton VA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Inquire if the Virginia xray technician programs you are assessing have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to receive hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates form professional relationships in the Staunton VA medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Staunton VA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the school they select will have to be within driving distance of their Staunton VA residence. Those 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 concern. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may 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 Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Staunton VA schools you are looking at what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer college you finally select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Staunton VA, make certain that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Be an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to consider questions you could be asked. Among the things that recruiters often ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to discover is not merely the private reasons you may have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and talents you possess that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, as well as a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to organize some strategies about how you want to answer them. Since there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you along with the strengths you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down several ideas and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Choose the Ideal X-Ray Technician College near Staunton VA

Picking the ideal x-ray technician school is an important first step toward beginning a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also show an ability 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 doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available patient care. As has been addressed in this report, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are assessing before making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can narrow down your choices and make your decision. And with the proper education and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiographer in Staunton VA.

Some Background on Staunton Virginia

Staunton, Virginia

Staunton (/ˈstæntən/ STAN-tən) is an independent city in the U.S. Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2010 census, the population was 23,746.[3] In Virginia, independent cities are separate jurisdictions from the counties that surround them, so the government offices of Augusta County are in Verona, which is contiguous to Staunton.[4]

Staunton is a principal city of the Staunton-Waynesboro Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had a 2010 population of 118,502.

Staunton is known for being the birthplace of Woodrow Wilson, the 28th U.S. president, and the home of Mary Baldwin University, historically a women's college. The city is also home to Stuart Hall, a private co-ed preparatory school, as well as the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind.

The area was first settled in 1732 by John Lewis and family. In 1736, William Beverley, a wealthy planter and merchant from Essex County, was granted by the Crown over 118,000 acres (48,000 hectares) in what would become Augusta County. Surveyor Thomas Lewis in 1746 laid out the first town plat for Beverley of what was originally called Beverley's Mill Place.[5] Founded in 1747, it was renamed in honor of Lady Rebecca Staunton, wife to Royal Lieutenant-Governor Sir William Gooch.[6] Because the town was located at the geographical center of the colony (which then included West Virginia), Staunton served between 1738 and 1771 as regional capital for what was known as the Northwest Territory, with the westernmost courthouse in British North America prior to the Revolution.[7] By 1760, Staunton was one of the major "remote trading centers in the backcountry" which coordinated the transportation of the vast amounts of grain and tobacco then being produced in response to the change of Britain from a net exporter of produce to an importer. Staunton thus played a crucial role in the mid 18th century expansion of the economies of the American Colonies which, in turn, contributed to the success of the American Revolution.[8] It served as capital of Virginia in June 1781, when state legislators fled Richmond and then Charlottesville to avoid capture by the British.

Like most of colonial America, slavery was present in Staunton. For instance, in 1815, a slave named Henry ran away from John G. Wright's Staunton plantation. Wright placed an ad in the Daily National Intelligencer in Washington, D.C. seeking Henry's return. It notes that Henry was an excellent cook and was widely travelled, having been as far as the West Indies.[9]