How to Become a Radiology Technician Purcellville VA 20132 Archives

How to Pick an Xray Tech Program near Purcellville Virginia

Purcellville VA x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Purcellville VA in order to train to be a radiology technologist. But now that you have decided to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you undertake choosing the ideal college and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And because the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might require preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. Most students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and usually settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be taken into consideration, there are other critical qualifiers as well. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are evaluating are provided later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and training options that are available.

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X-Ray Technician Career Summary

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, each has the identical primary job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Purcellville VA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 care for their equipment and also frequently analyze its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Purcellville VA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Purcellville VA The basic prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have received 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 typical among techs, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete depending on 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. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that Purcellville VA radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can frequently be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Virginia or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, based on the state where you will be employed you might need to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but many provide additional alternatives for testing as well. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Purcellville VA employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves 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 X-Ray Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Purcellville 20132 As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical 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 online degree, a large portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Practical training is often provided in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Purcellville VA home. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually discover that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are often cheaper than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be lessened as well. But just make sure that the online college you select is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the right choice for you.

Topics to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

Once you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of searching for and assessing Purcellville VA x-ray technician schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenditures will be a material factor as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details before you make your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you should ask the programs you are considering.

Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? Most xray tech schools have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Purcellville VA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level positions.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the Virginia radiology tech colleges you are assessing have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to obtain practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Purcellville VA healthcare community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Purcellville VA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For many students, the school they select will need to be within commuting distance of their Purcellville VA home. Those who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. Something 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 may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit far in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Purcellville VA schools you are considering what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. 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 a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech school you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you decide to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Purcellville VA, make certain that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family obligations.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to review questions you could be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What made you select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not merely the private reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but also what characteristics and skills you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, along with a certain number of routine interview questions, so you need to organize some strategies about how you want to answer them. Given that there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the strengths you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down some ideas and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Enroll in the Best Radiology Tech School near Purcellville VA

Choosing the ideal radiology technician school is a critical first step toward launching a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the workday and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available patient care. As has been covered in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are looking at before making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online program or drive 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 decision. And with the right training and your dedication to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiographer in Purcellville VA.

Some Background on Purcellville Virginia

Purcellville, Virginia

Purcellville is a town in Loudoun County, Virginia, United States. The population was 9,232 according to the United States Census 2015 Population Estimate (as of July 1, 2015). Purcellville is the major population center for western Loudoun and the Loudoun Valley. Today[update], many of the older structures remaining in Purcellville reflect the Victorian architecture popular during the early 20th century. Patrick Henry College is located in the town.

Although the first land grant in the area was issued by Lord Fairfax in 1740, it was not until 1764 that Purcellville's first known settler, James Dillon from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, arrived. The early ox cart track which wound westward from Leesburg towards the Blue Ridge, known later as the "Great Road," served as the town's nucleus, although farms existed in the area, and Ketoctin Baptist Church had been founded nearby by 1752. The first recorded business, an ordinary (a combined store and inn), was established by Abraham Vickers in 1799. This was followed by a second ordinary, established by Stacey Taylor in 1804, and later by "Purcel's Store" and Post Office, established by Valentine Vernon Purcell (from whom the town's name is derived). A blacksmith's shop, established around 1848, was also among the Purcellville's earliest businesses. On July 9, 1853 the village officially adopted the name Purcellville [3]

The Great Road became an authorized turnpike in 1785 and extended the turnpike system westward from Alexandria to Snickers Gap, and beyond to Berryville and Winchester.[4] With the construction of this Turnpike in 1832, travel through Purcellville began to increase and the first stagecoach arrived in 1841. A railroad on link on the Alexandria, Loudoun and Hampshire line (forerunner to the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad) connecting the town to Leesburg and points east was built prior to the Civil War, and travel to points further west were continued by stagecoach through Purcellville.

Although both Union and Confederate armies passed through Purcellville during the Civil War, the town witnessed limited fighting with the most notable action occurring at the skirmish of Heaton's Crossroads. The town and surrounding area were contained within the area known as Mosby's Confederacy, the main area of operations for Confederate partisan John S. Mosby, and the town was pillaged as part of The Burning Raid of 1864 in retribution for the area's support of Mosby's command.

When the railroad was extended to Purcellville in 1874, the town took Leesburg's place as the beginning of the stage route until the railroad was extended to Round Hill in 1875. The Southern Railway constructed the still-existing Purcellville Train Station in 1891.[5][6] The railroad ceased operation in 1968. Its right-of-way serves as the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park, which has its western terminus at the station.