Accredited X Ray Tech Schools Catlett VA 20119 Archives - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select an X-Ray Technician Degree Program near Catlett Virginia

Catlett VA x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Catlett VA in order to become a radiology technologist. But now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you go about picking the right school and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And because most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at in order to evaluate each program. Most students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be considered, there are additional critical qualifications as well. For example, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.

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X-Ray Technician Job Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical major job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for example mammography. They can practice in Catlett VA hospitals, clinics, 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 must take care of their equipment and also routinely analyze its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Catlett VA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Catlett VA The basic prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, usually takes 18 months to two years to complete depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. The majority of students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to consider is that Catlett VA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing requirements in Virginia or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements 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 other alternatives for testing also. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, numerous Catlett VA employers prefer to 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 accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.

Online X-Ray Technician Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Catlett 20119 As a component 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 schools. So although you can still earn your online degree, a substantial portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is often conducted in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Catlett VA home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree usually discover that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are generally more affordable than conventional options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be reduced as well. But just be sure that the online college you choose 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 degree may be the best choice for you.

Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

Once you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of locating and evaluating Catlett VA x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or travel to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be critical. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important variable as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you need to check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are considering.

Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? Most xray tech colleges have received some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Catlett VA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the Virginia xray technician colleges you are evaluating have partnerships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific means to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist students and graduates form professional relationships in the Catlett VA medical community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the radiographer programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Catlett VA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a lot of students, the school they choose will need to be within driving distance of their Catlett VA residence. Students who have opted to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Catlett VA schools you are looking at what the average 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 a chance to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer school you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Catlett VA, check that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.

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

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to review questions you may be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer prospects is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not only the personal reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what qualities and talents you have that make you good at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you should organize a number of approaches about how you would like to answer them. Because there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the talents you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down some ideas and topics that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Enroll in the Right X-Ray Technician School near Catlett VA

Choosing the best x-ray technician degree program is an important first step toward initiating a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best available care to patients. As we have covered in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are assessing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you decide on an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to be successful, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Catlett VA.

Some Background on Catlett Virginia

Catlett, Virginia

Catlett is a census-designated place (CDP) in Fauquier County, Virginia, United States. The population as of the 2010 census was 297.[1] It is located west of the Prince William County line. Catlett was a former rail stop on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. The area was the site of many raids on the railroad during the American Civil War.

The Catlett Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008, and Auburn Battlefield in 2011.[2][3]

Thanks to the creation of a railroad system that was essential to travel and supply in Virginia, many small towns including Catlett sprung up as stops. During its heyday, Catlett was a busy telegraph outpost and mail stop along the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. The land that the town was built on had originally been granted to John Catlett in 1715, but was not named for him at first. The post office and town were first known as Colvin's Station after the Colvin family, but over the years was changeded to Catlett Station, and then to simply Catlett.[4]

Catlett was the site of a pivotal skirmish in the Civil War between Maj. General J. E. B. Stuart of the Confederacy and the Union's Maj. General John Pope.[5] The Confederates conducted the raid on the Union camp on August 22, 1862 in an effort to disrupt the Union's supply lines on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. Stuart and his men began their attack during what Stuart referred to as the "darkest night I ever knew." He and his men rode into town, using sabers and fire to destroy the encampment. The Confederates were able to burn the Federal encampment, cut telephone wires, obtain wagons-full of supplies and capture almost 300 Union troops. They attempted to destroy the railroad bridge that lies on the outskirts of Catlett. A heavy thunderstorm prevented burning the bridge, so the Confederates attempted to use axes, but were turned away by Union riflemen who caught them. The most important prize that the Confederates gained were General Pope's orders, which contained critical information about the Union campaign. These orders were taken by Stuart to General Robert E. Lee and played a pivotal role in securing the South's victory in the Battle of Second Manassas.[5]

Later in the war, Col. John S. Mosby conducted a raid with his cavalry unit in an attempt to disable an engine on the same rail line that Stuart had attacked in August 1862. This skirmish on May 20, 1863 went in favor of the superior numbers of the Union troops. Mosby's unit retreated after disabling the engine with a Howitzer cannon that they had captured the previous day. The Confederate troops took 5 fatalities, 20 injuries, and 10 of Mosby's men were captured by the Federals.[6]