How to Become a Radiology Technician Strasburg VA 22641 Archives

How to Select an X-Ray Tech Degree Program near Strasburg Virginia

Strasburg VA x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Strasburg VA in order to learn to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about picking the ideal college and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled professional? And considering that the majority of states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Many potential students start by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location need to be considered, there are additional critical qualifications also. For instance, you should ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are evaluating are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and training options that are available.

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X-Ray Tech Work Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, each has the same major job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Strasburg VA clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may work with 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 evaluate its functionality and safety. They are additionally required to retain complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Strasburg VA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Strasburg VA The primary requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to finish depending on the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to finish and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be acceptable also. Something to keep in mind is that Strasburg VA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Virginia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an Radiologist college, based on the state where you will be employed you may need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several offer additional alternatives for testing also. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many Strasburg VA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance 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 examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technologist Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Strasburg 22641 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off campus. Clinical training is typically provided in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Strasburg VA residence. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are frequently cheaper than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be reduced also. But just confirm 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 structured style of training, then online classes may be the right option for you.

Questions to Ask X Ray Tech Colleges

Once you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of searching for and assessing Strasburg VA x-ray tech schools. You will also need to determine if you want to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? Most xray tech schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to confirm that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous review of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Strasburg VA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Find out if the Virginia xray tech schools you are reviewing have partnerships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to get hands on training in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Strasburg VA medical community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the radiographer schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Strasburg VA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For many students, the college they choose will have to be within commuting distance of their Strasburg VA home. Students who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Strasburg VA colleges you are considering 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 a chance to speak with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer college you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Strasburg VA, verify that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Become an X-Ray Tech?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What compelled you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the private reasons you may have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and talents you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, along with a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to organize some approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests 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 attempt to memorize a response, but jot down a few concepts and topics that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Enroll in the Ideal X-Ray Technician Program near Strasburg VA

Enrolling in the appropriate x-ray technician school is a critical first step toward beginning a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs typically stand for the greater part of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the correct image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As has been covered in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each school you are considering before making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can focus your options before making your final choice. And with the right education and your commitment to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a radiology tech in Strasburg VA.

Some Background on Strasburg Virginia

Strasburg, Virginia

Strasburg /ˈstrɑːzbɜːrɡ/ is a town in Shenandoah County, Virginia, United States, which was founded in 1761 by Peter Stover. It is the largest town by population in the county and is known for its pottery, antiques, and Civil War history.[4] The population was 6,398 at the 2010 census.

German-speaking Pennsylvanians were among the first non-native settlers to arrive in the northern Shenandoah Valley and Strasburg area. The luscious greenery and fertile land were prime targets for immigrant farmers. On August 21, 1734 speculator Henry Willis was granted 2,030 acres (8.2 km2) total of this land by William Gooch, Virginia's Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief.[5] Gooch wished to settle the valley to create a buffer between Native American tribes and the rest of the Virginia colony. During the summer of 1735, Willis sold his entire property to Jacob Funk. Jacob in return, partitioned his new purchase, reselling a part of it to his brother John.[6][7]

In contrast to the English culture found east of the Blue Ridge, Strasburg was settled with family farms and towns rather than plantations; few slaves; and Germanic language, religions, architecture and decorative arts. The thriving agricultural community that developed in the fertile bottomland along the banks of the Shenandoah River boasted scenic views of the Massanutten and Allegheny Mountains. Later nicknamed “Pot Town,” Strasburg also became a center for the production of both utilitarian and fancy earthenware and stoneware pottery. During the 19th and 20th centuries, many residents worked for the railroad industry and at limestone quarries; after WW II, other industries came to Strasburg, including paper and auto parts manufacture. Today Strasburg boasts a growing service economy, museums, charming eateries, numerous antique stores and other shops. Despite its location only 80 miles from Metro D.C. Strasburg has maintained its hospitable small town charm.[8]

Peter Stover (Petrus Stauffer) is considered the founder of the town of Strasburg. Stover was born in 1715 to a German-Swiss father, Christian Stauffer I., in Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.[9] Stauffer took his family to America in 1718, to gain religious freedom, and settled in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania where he would live out his entire life.

His son Peter migrated south to Virginia by 1730 and to the Shenandoah Valley as early as 1739. On May 2, 1749 Stover purchased 483 acres (1.95 km2) of land from Jacob Funk, his future father-in-law.[10] The purchase was divided into smaller plots for sale to other settlers[11] and a village was informally established.