Accredited Radiology Technician Programs Weirton WV 26062 Archives

How to Choose a Radiology Technician Program near Weirton West Virginia

Weirton WV x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Weirton WV so you can train to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you tackle picking the right college and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you might need training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. A number of potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location must be taken into consideration, there are additional important qualifications as well. For example, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and education options that are offered.

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Radiology Tech Occupation Summary

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the same major job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for instance mammography. They may practice in Weirton WV hospitals, clinics, family 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 and also routinely assess its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Weirton WV health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Weirton WV The standard prerequisite for attending a radiology tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, usually requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be appropriate as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Weirton WV radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in West Virginia or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer other options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Weirton WV employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved 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 examination.

Online Radiology Technician Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Weirton 26062 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is usually carried out in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Weirton WV residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are often more affordable than conventional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But just make certain that the online college you pick 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 school may be the best choice for you.

Topics to Ask Radiology Tech Schools

When you have selected the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of finding and assessing Weirton WV x-ray tech schools. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? Most radiology technician schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to verify 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed review of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. 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 acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Weirton WV health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry level openings.

Are Internships Provided? Find out if the West Virginia radiology technician programs you are interested in have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to receive hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the Weirton WV healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Weirton WV healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they pick will have to be within driving distance of their Weirton WV residence. Individuals who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually 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.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Weirton WV schools you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. 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 converse 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 ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Weirton WV, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to consider questions you may be asked. One of the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you should organize some strategies about how you want to answer them. Considering there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down several concepts and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Choose the Right X-Ray Tech Program near Weirton WV

Picking the right radiology technician college is a crucial first step toward starting a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the majority of the day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians 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 addressed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your final choice. And with the proper training and your commitment to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Weirton WV.

Some Background on Weirton West Virginia

Weirton, West Virginia

Weirton (pron. WEER-ton) is a city in Brooke and Hancock counties in the U.S. state of West Virginia. Located primarily in Hancock County, the city lies in the northern portions of the state's Northern Panhandle region. As of the 2010 census, the city's population was 19,746. It is a principal city within the Weirton-Steubenville Metropolitan Area, which had a population of 124,454 residents, and by extension part of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area.

The small village called Holliday's Cove lanes — which is now most of downtown Weirton — was founded in 1793. (It eventually lost the apostrophe.) In 1909, Ernest T. Weir arrived from neighboring Pittsburgh and built a steel mill later known as Weirton Steel Corporation just north of Holliday's Cove.[5] An unincorporated settlement called Weirton grew up around the mill that, by 1940, was said to be the largest unincorporated city in the United States. By then Hollidays Cove and two other outlying areas, Weirton Heights and Marland Heights, which as their names suggest were on hilltops or ridges surrounding the "Weir–Cove" area, had also incorporated.

Hollidays Cove Fort was a Revolutionary War fortification constructed in 1774 by soldiers from Ft. Pitt. It was located in what is now downtown Weirton, along Harmons Creek (named for Harmon Greathouse), about three miles from its mouth on the Ohio River. It was commanded by Colonel Andrew Van Swearingen (1741–1793) and later by his son-in-law, Captain Samuel Brady (1756–1795), the famous leader of Brady's Rangers. In 1779, over 28 militia were garrisoned at Hollidays Cove. Two years earlier, Colonel Van Swearingen led a dozen soldiers by longboat down the Ohio to help rescue the inhabitants of Ft. Henry in Wheeling in a siege by the British and Indian tribes in 1777. That mission was memorialized in a WPA-era mural painted on the wall of the Cove Post Office by Charles S. Chapman (1879–1962). The mural features Col. John Bilderback, who later gained infamy as the leader of the massacre of the Moravian Indians in Gnadenhutten in 1782.[6]

On July 1, 1947, all of these areas — Hollidays Cove, Marland Heights, Weirton Heights, and unincorporated Weirton — merged and formed the city of Weirton as it currently exists. Thomas E. Millsop, the head of the Weirton Steel division of the other Ernest T. Weir company, National Steel Corporation, was elected as the city's first mayor. The city charter was approved by voters in 1950.

Also home to Weirton is the Weirton Steel Corporation which was once a fully integrated steel mill employing over 12,000 people. It was the largest private employer and the largest taxpayer in West Virginia. This is no longer true. Due to reorganization of the steel industry, not only within the United States but worldwide, the Weirton plant, now part of the international giant Arcelor Mittal, currently operates only the tin-plating section of the mill (though still one of the country's largest tin-plate makers), with only 800 workers. During the early 1980s the employees of Weirton Steel endeavored to purchase the mill from National Steel Corporation as the largest ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Program) in the nation, saving the mill from bankruptcy.[7]