How to Select an X-Ray Tech Program near Huntington West Virginia
Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Huntington WV so you can train to be a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you undertake picking the ideal school and program to ensure that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And because most states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you research each of the schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Most potential students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location should be taken into account, there are additional important qualifiers also. For example, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and education options that are offered.
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Radiology Technician Career Description
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the same principal job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They may practice in Huntington WV clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might work with 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 plus frequently evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Huntington WV health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Tech Degree Options
The primary requirement for attending an x-ray tech school is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, generally requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to complete and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that Huntington WV radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in West Virginia or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiographer Certification and Licensing
When you have graduated from an Radiologist college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so check with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several offer other options for testing as well. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, numerous Huntington WV employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it could improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.
Online X-Ray Technologist Classes
As a part 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 schools. So while you can still earn your degree online, a considerable portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is often conducted in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Huntington WV home. Students who continue working while earning their degree often find that the online approach to education is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online programs are frequently less expensive than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be reduced also. But just make sure that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the right option for you.
Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs
Once you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of searching for and evaluating Huntington WV x-ray technician colleges. You will also have to decide if you want to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a material variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you factor in when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are looking at.
Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology tech schools have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the college is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Huntington WV health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level openings.
Are Internships Offered? Find out if the West Virginia radiology technician programs you are evaluating have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to receive hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates form professional relationships in the Huntington WV health care community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. 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 sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Huntington WV healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the college they decide on will have to be within commuting distance of their Huntington WV home. Individuals who have decided 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. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Huntington WV colleges you are considering 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 determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with several of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program as well.
Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the x-ray tech college you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Huntington WV, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. 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 Want to Become a Radiology Technician?
When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to consider questions you may be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers often ask radiographer candidates is "What made you choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not only the private reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what qualities and abilities you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must organize several ideas about how you want to address them. Considering there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you along with the talents you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down some concepts and topics that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.Enroll in the Ideal Radiology Technician College near Huntington WV
Enrolling in the ideal x-ray tech school is a critical first step toward launching a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the workday and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay close attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best available patient care. As has been addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are assessing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each program so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the proper education and your commitment to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Huntington WV.
Some Background on Huntington West Virginia
Huntington, West Virginia
Huntington is a city in Cabell County and Wayne County [5] in the U.S. state of West Virginia. It is the county seat of Cabell County, and largest city in the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Metropolitan Statistical Area, sometimes referred to as the Tri-State Area. A historic and bustling city of commerce and heavy industry, Huntington has long-flourished due to its ideal location on the Ohio River at the mouth of the Guyandotte River. It is home to the Port of Huntington Tri-State, the second busiest inland port in the United States.[6]
Surrounded by extensive natural resources, the industrial sector is based in coal, oil, chemicals and steel all of which support Huntington's diversified economy. The city is a vital rail-to-river transfer point for the marine transportation industry. Also, it is considered a scenic locale in the western foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. This location was selected by Collis Potter Huntington as ideal for the western terminus of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, the predecessor of what would become CSX Transportation which still operates CSX Transportation-Huntington Division in the city to date.
The railroad founded Huntington as one of the nation's first planned communities to facilitate the railroad and other transportation-related industries at the railway's western terminus. Developing fast after the railroad's completion in 1871, the site was previously a collection of agricultural homesteads, and is eponymously named for the railroad company's founder Collis Potter Huntington. The first identifiable permanent settlement, Holderby's Landing, was founded in 1775 in the Colony of Virginia although the site had been sparsely settled by the French as early as 1609. With the exception of the neighborhoods of Westmoreland and Spring Valley, most of the city is in Cabell County.[7]
As of the 2010 census, the metropolitan area is the largest in West Virginia.[8] It spans 7 counties across 3 states, with a population of 365,419.[9] Huntington is the second largest city in West Virginia, with a population of 49,138 at the 2010 census. The Huntington–Charleston TV market is the 64th-largest in the nation.[10]
The city is the home of Marshall University as well as the Huntington Museum of Art; the Big Sandy Superstore Arena; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Huntington District); the Collis P. Huntington Historical Society and Railroad Museum; Camden Park, one of the world's oldest amusement parks; the headquarters of the CSX Transportation-Huntington Division, the largest division in the CSX network; the Special Metals Plant; and the Port of Huntington Tri-State, the largest river port in the United States.
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