How to Choose an X-Ray Technician Degree Program near Woodstock Virginia
Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Woodstock VA in order to learn to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you set about selecting the ideal college and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And because most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are looking at in order to compare each program. A number of students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be taken into consideration, there are other significant qualifications as well. For instance, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are reviewing are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the degrees and training options that are offered.
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X-Ray Tech Work Description
There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the identical primary job function, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They can work in Woodstock 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 maintain their equipment and frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Woodstock VA health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Technician Degrees Offered
The primary requirement for attending an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, normally requires 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more extensive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to bear in mind is that Woodstock VA radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can often be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local clinics and hospitals in their region. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Virginia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, based on the state where you will be employed you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many accept additional alternatives for testing also. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, many Woodstock VA employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it might improve your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Tech Classes
As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is typically provided in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Woodstock VA home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online approach to education is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently cheaper than traditional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But just be 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 style of training, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask X Ray Tech Schools
When you have selected the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of finding and evaluating Woodstock VA x-ray technician schools. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The price of tuition and ancillary expenses will be a determining variable as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you should find 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 selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are assessing.
Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? Most radiology technician colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school 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 gone through a rigorous evaluation of their teachers and course 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 recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Woodstock VA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the Virginia xray technician colleges you are evaluating have relationships with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great means to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Woodstock VA medical community and assist with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the radiographer programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Woodstock VA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the College Located? For many students, the school they decide on will need to be within driving distance of their Woodstock VA home. Individuals who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within 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 hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Woodstock VA schools you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program as well.
Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the x-ray tech college you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you opt to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Woodstock VA, check that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiology Technician?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to review questions you may be asked. One of the things that recruiters typically ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not just the personal reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what qualities and talents you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must prepare several strategies about how you want to respond to them. Considering there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the abilities you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down some concepts and topics that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.Pick the Best X-Ray Technician School near Woodstock VA
Enrolling in the best radiology tech college is a critical first step toward starting a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs often stand for the greater part of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to get the proper 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. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As has been addressed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are considering prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you enroll in an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each program so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the proper education and your dedication to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Woodstock VA.
Some Background on Woodstock Virginia
Woodstock, Virginia
Woodstock is a town in Shenandoah County, Virginia, United States. It has a population of 5,097 according to the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Shenandoah County.[3]
The Massanutten Military Academy is located in Woodstock, as is the national headquarters of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. Woodstock is also home to the River Bandits of the Valley League.
The town was established by charter in March 1761 as a part of what was then Frederick County. It was originally formed by a land grant from Lord Fairfax, and founded as Muellerstadt (Miller Town) in 1752 after founder Jacob Miller. The town's charter was sponsored by George Washington in Virginia's House of Burgesses. Woodstock has been the County Seat of Shenandoah County, since the County's formation in 1772.
In the late 1770s, John Muhlenberg was pastor at a Lutheran church located in the heart of Woodstock. As a famous story of Muhlenberg has it, at conclusion of his farewell sermon on January 21, 1776, Muhlenberg threw off his clerical robes to reveal an officer's uniform beneath and shouted, "there is a time to pray and a time to fight..." With that declaration, the story says he then called for volunteers to join the 8th Virginia Regiment under his command.
In 1795, the courthouse, designed by Thomas Jefferson, was built using native limestone. The courthouse, located on Main Street, is the oldest courthouse still in use west of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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