Accredited Radiology Technician Schools Virginia Beach VA 23450 Archives

How to Pick a Radiology Tech College near Virginia Beach Virginia

Virginia Beach VA x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Virginia Beach VA so you can become a radiologic technician. But now that you have made a decision to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle picking the ideal college and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And because the majority of states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you research each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Most prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into consideration, there are other critical qualifications as well. For instance, you should ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology technician does and the degrees and education options that are offered.

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X-Ray Technician Job Summary

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, each has the same fundamental job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They may practice in Virginia Beach VA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may utilize 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 functionality and safety. They are also required to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Virginia Beach VA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Virginia Beach VA The basic requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to finish and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be appropriate also. Something to bear in mind is that Virginia Beach VA radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may frequently be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Virginia or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician college, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several offer additional alternatives for testing also. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, numerous Virginia Beach VA employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Tech Degrees

attending x-ray tech school online in Virginia Beach 23450 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is typically provided in regional 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 Virginia Beach VA home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online approach to learning is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are often less costly than traditional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just make sure that the online school you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.

Questions to Ask Radiology Tech Programs

When you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of searching for and assessing Virginia Beach VA x-ray tech schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining factor also. But in addition to location and cost, what else should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? A large number of xray technician schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to make sure 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it might 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. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Virginia Beach VA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level openings.

Are Internships Offered? Ask if the Virginia radiology technician programs you are assessing have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can help students and graduates form professional connections in the Virginia Beach VA medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Virginia Beach VA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the college they pick will need to be within travelling distance of their Virginia Beach VA home. Individuals who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something to bear in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Virginia Beach VA colleges you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to verify that the radiographer school you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Virginia Beach VA, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to consider questions you could be asked. Among the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What made you decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not merely the private reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what attributes and talents you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of standard interview questions, so you need to ready several ideas about how you want to address them. Since there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the profession appeals to you along with the abilities you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down a few ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can help you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Choose the Right X-Ray Technician Program near Virginia Beach VA

Selecting the right x-ray tech school is a critical first step toward beginning a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs often stand for the greater part of the workday and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant 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 program you are reviewing before making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each program so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the right training and your commitment to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiographer in Virginia Beach VA.

Some Background on Virginia Beach Virginia

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach is an independent city located on the southeastern coast of the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 437,994.[3] In 2015, the population was estimated to be 452,745.[4] Although mostly suburban in character, it is the most populous city in Virginia and the 41st most populous city in the nation.[5] Located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach is included in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. This area, known as "America's First Region", also includes the independent cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, as well as other smaller cities, counties, and towns of Hampton Roads.

Virginia Beach is a resort city with miles of beaches and hundreds of hotels, motels, and restaurants along its oceanfront. Every year the city hosts the East Coast Surfing Championships as well as the North American Sand Soccer Championship, a beach soccer tournament. It is also home to several state parks, several long-protected beach areas, three military bases, a number of large corporations, two universities, International headquarters and site of the television broadcast studios for Pat Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), Edgar Cayce's Association for Research and Enlightenment, and numerous historic sites. Near the point where the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean meet, Cape Henry was the site of the first landing of the English colonists, who eventually settled in Jamestown, on April 26, 1607.

The city is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as having the longest pleasure beach in the world. It is located at the southern end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, the longest bridge-tunnel complex in the world.[6]

The Chesepian were the historic indigenous people of the area now known as Tidewater in Virginia at the time of European encounter. Little is known about them[7] but archeological evidence suggests they may have been related to the Carolina Algonquian, or Pamlico people. They would have spoken one of the Algonquian languages. These were common among the numerous tribes of the coastal area, who made up the loose Powhatan Confederacy, numbering in the tens of thousands in population. The Chesepian occupied an area which is now defined as the independent cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach.[8]

In 1607, after a voyage of 144 days, three ships headed by Captain Christopher Newport, and carrying 105 men and boys, made their first landfall in the New World on the mainland, where the southern mouth of the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. They named it Cape Henry, after Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales, the eldest son of King James I of England. These English colonists of the Virginia Company of London moved on from this area, as they were under orders to seek a site further inland, which would be more sheltered from ships of competing European countries. They created their first permanent settlement on the north side of the James River at Jamestown.[9]