How to Become an X Ray Technician New River VA 24129 Archives

How to Choose an Xray Tech School near New River Virginia

New River VA x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near New River VA in order to become a radiologic technician. But now that you have decided to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you set about choosing the ideal school and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that the majority of states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Most students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into account, there are other critical qualifiers also. For example, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, 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 talk about what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and training choices that are available.

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X-Ray Tech Career Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical principal job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They can work in New River VA hospitals, clinics, 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 routinely assess its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As New River VA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in New River VA The primary requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that New River VA radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which a large number of colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After 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 Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number provide additional options for testing as well. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous New River VA employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every 2 years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in New River 24129 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So although you can still earn your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is typically performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online portion of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your New River VA residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically discover that the online approach to education is much more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are frequently more affordable than on-campus alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be decreased as well. But just make sure that the online school you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then online classes may be the best choice for you.

Points to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

When you have decided on the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing New River VA x-ray technician schools. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or travel to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining factor as well. But along with cost and location, what else should you consider when reviewing colleges? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology tech colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still imperative to verify that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded 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 an extensive assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the college is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets 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 guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of New River VA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Ask if the Virginia xray tech schools you are interested in have associations with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to obtain hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to satisfy the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the New River VA health care community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with New River VA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they pick will have to be within commuting distance of their New River VA residence. Students who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. One thing to bear in mind is that if you choose 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 frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the New River VA schools you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the x-ray tech college you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you decide to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in New River VA, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Become an Xray Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to review questions you may be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what attributes and abilities you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, as well as a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should prepare some strategies about how you would like to address them. Because there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down a few concepts and talking points that relate to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Pick the Best Radiology Tech College near New River VA

Picking the best x-ray technician school is a crucial first step toward beginning a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the workday and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray 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 pleasant work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As we have addressed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the right education and your motivation to succeed, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiology tech in New River VA.

Some Background on New River Virginia

Radford Army Ammunition Plant

Radford Army Ammunition Plant (RFAAP) is an ammunitions manufacturing complex with facilities located in Pulaski and Montgomery Counties, Virginia. The primary mission of the RFAAP is to manufacture propellants and explosives in support of field artillery, air defense, tank, missile, aircraft and Navy weapons systems. As of 2011 RFAAP is operated by BAE Systems making it the sole supplier of TNT to the US Department of Defense.[1]

RFAAP was established April 5, 1941 as Radford Ordnance Works and New River Plant. In 1945, the works was renamed Radford Arsenal and the New River Ordnance Works was assumed as a subpost until 1950, when it became an integral part of the Radford Arsenal. In 1961 the arsenal was renamed Radford Ordnance Plant and RFAAP in 1963.[2] The facility used an ALCO MRS-1 military diesel locomotive, road number B2072, for switching, which was retired by the 1980s and scrapped at Cycle Systems in Roanoke, Virginia around 1993.[citation needed]

In 1995, Alliant Techsystems, parent company ATK Armament Systems, obtained a “facilities use” contract.[citation needed] In 1999, RFAAP gained the load, assembly and pack mission with the closure of Joliet Army Ammunition Plant, Joliet, Ill.[citation needed] The center manufactures propellant and explosives.[citation needed] On May 12, 2011, the Army announced that BAE Systems had won the "facilities use" contract to become the plant operator. .[citation needed]

In July 2016, RFAAP released a statement regarding the security of the arsenal in response to the mobile game Pokémon Go. A number of civilians were attempting to gain access to the facility to catch Charizard, which is reportedly located in the arsenal's rocket and water tower. RFAAP stated that “This is a secure facility. Trespassers will be prosecuted. We are trying to keep all persons safe.”[3] Many of those trying to gain access for the recreational purpose are students at nearby Radford University and Virginia Tech.

RFAAP is housed on 4,600 acres (19 km2)[4] with 1,038 buildings, 214 igloos and storage capacity of 657,003 square feet[5] where the New River divides Pulaski from Montgomery County.