Accredited X Ray Tech Schools Nottoway VA 23955 Archives - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find a Radiologic Technician School near Nottoway Virginia

Nottoway VA x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Nottoway VA in order to learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you undertake choosing the right school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled professional? And because the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. Many students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be considered, there are other critical qualifiers also. For example, you must find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology tech does and the credentials and education options that are available.

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X-Ray Technician Career Description

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical fundamental job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They can practice in Nottoway VA clinics, hospitals, private 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 maintain their equipment and routinely assess its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Nottoway VA medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees Available

x-ray machine in Nottoway VA The basic requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, normally requires 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more expansive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate as well. Something to keep in mind is that Nottoway VA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may typically be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many schools offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Virginia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, based on the state where you will be practicing you might need to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many accept additional options for testing as well. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, many Nottoway VA employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it could increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technologist Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Nottoway 23955 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is typically performed in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Nottoway VA home. Students who keep working while earning their degree usually find that the online style of education is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are generally more affordable than traditional options. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be reduced as well. But just be sure that the online program you enroll in 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.

Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

After you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of locating and evaluating Nottoway VA x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining factor also. But along with cost and location, what more should you look at when comparing colleges? Well, you need to check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details before you make your selection, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? Most xray tech colleges have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still crucial to make sure that the school and program 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it may also earn 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. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are often not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Nottoway VA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level openings.

Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the Virginia xray technician schools you are interested in have associations with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to obtain hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Nottoway VA health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Nottoway VA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they pick will need to be within travelling distance of their Nottoway VA residence. Those 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 consider is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally 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.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Nottoway VA colleges you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student 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 talk with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the x-ray tech school you ultimately pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Nottoway VA, verify that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would have to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Radiology Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to review questions you could be asked. One of the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What made you decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the personal reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and talents you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of strategies about how you want to answer them. Because there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the talents you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but jot down some concepts and topics that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Pick the Right X-Ray Technician Program near Nottoway VA

Picking the appropriate x-ray tech school is a critical first step toward starting a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the majority of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As we have discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are assessing before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you decide on an online program or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each program so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the right training and your commitment to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Nottoway VA.

Some Background on Nottoway Virginia

Nottoway County, Virginia

Nottoway County is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2010 census, the population was 15,853.[1] Its county seat is Nottoway.[2] It is situated south of the James River, thus making it a part of the Southside Virginia Region. [3]

Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the land that would become Nottoway County was inhabited by American Indians of the Nadowa tribe, an Iroquoian people. They lived along the county’s only river, the Nadowa, an Algonquian word meaning rattlesnake, and became associated with the area they inhabited. The name was anglicized to ‘Nottoway’, and from this the name of the county was derived. The people of this "Nottoway Tribe", now numbering between 400 and 500, call themselves Cheroenhaka, meaning "People At The Fork Of The Stream".

Before the county established its own government, it was known as Nottoway Parish, a district of Amelia County. Nottoway Parish became Nottoway County by legislative act in 1788. The county contained numerous early crossroads settlements connecting the new western frontier with the population centers of Petersburg and Richmond to the north and east and until recent times owed much of its prospertity to tobacco. First coming to Nottoway in the 1850s, railroad construction and associated industries eventually came to represent a major portion of business in the area. In the 1860 census, 73.2% of the total population of Nottoway County were slaves, the highest percentage of any Virginia County[4].

One of the county's larger towns, Crewe, owes its existence to the railroad siding established at Robertson's Switch in the 1880s. In recent decades, however, the decline of tobacco, the railroads, and Fort Pickett has presented the county, like much of Southside Virginia, with economic difficulties and lead many Nottoway families to seek jobs and homes in Richmond and other prospering cities in central Virginia.

During the American Civil War, the county contributed to the Confederate cause by raising two infantry companies, the Nottoway Rifle Guards, and Capt. Richard Irby's Nottoway Grays, Jeffress' artillery battery, and the Nottoway Troop of the 3rd Virginia Cavalry. Both infantry companies served in the 18th Virginia Infantry Regiment and saw extensive service throughout the Eastern Theatre, most notably at the Battle of Gettysburg where they were at the forefront of Pickett's Charge. The infamous charge was disastrous on the 18th Virginia and many families in Nottoway County lost relatives in it. The 18th Regiment's colors were captured at the wall on Cemetery Ridge and are now displayed in Gettysburg. The county itself was the site of only one major skirmish during the war, the “Battle of the Grove,” which was fought near Blackstone (then known as Blacks and Whites) for control of the rail line that supplied General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, then entrenched around Petersburg and Richmond. The war's last major battle before the surrender at Appomattox was fought at Sayler's Creek, west of Burkeville near the Nottaway County line, on April 6, 1865 (see article on Burkeville).