How to Become an X Ray Technician Ranson WV 25438 Archives - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose an X-Ray Tech School near Ranson West Virginia

Ranson WV x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Ranson WV so you can become a radiologic technologist. But now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, how do you tackle selecting the right college and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And because the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you assess each of the schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. A number of potential students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they check tuition and typically gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location should be taken into account, there are other significant qualifiers as well. For example, you should find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.

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X-Ray Tech Job Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same primary job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for example mammography. They can practice in Ranson WV clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might utilize include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must take care of their equipment and also routinely analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Ranson WV health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Ranson WV The primary requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have earned 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 common among techs, usually takes 18 months to two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to complete and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that Ranson WV radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can typically be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in West Virginia or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many offer other options for testing also. A number of states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous Ranson WV employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it might improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Ranson 25438 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is often performed in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online section of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Ranson WV home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically discover that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently cheaper than conventional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting can be reduced also. But just be sure that the online college you select is accredited (more on the benefits 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 ideal choice for you.

Topics to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

Once you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of looking for and assessing Ranson WV x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be an important factor as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you factor in when comparing colleges? Well, you should find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology technician colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to verify that the school and program 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a premium education, accreditation will also assist 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 many Ranson WV health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Ask if the West Virginia radiology technician schools you are reviewing have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to get hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Ranson WV medical community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Ranson WV healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they select will need to be within commuting distance of their Ranson WV residence. Those who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges usually charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that likes to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Ranson WV colleges you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program also.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer program you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you opt to continue working while you attend classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Ranson WV, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Radiology Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the things that recruiters frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What made you decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not merely the private reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but also what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, as well as a significant number of routine interview questions, so you should ready a number of strategies about how you would like to answer them. Because there are numerous factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Choose the Best Radiology Tech College near Ranson WV

Enrolling in the appropriate x-ray technician college is a critical first step toward beginning a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs frequently stand for the greater part of the working day and position and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray 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 deliver the best possible patient care. As has been addressed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you participate in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your motivation to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiographer in Ranson WV.

Some Background on Ranson West Virginia

Ranson, West Virginia

Ranson (formerly Corporation of Ranson) is a city in Jefferson County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 4,440 at the 2010 census. Although the Census Bureau listed it as a town in 2000, it is classified (along with all other municipalities with populations between two and ten thousand) as a city by state law.[6]

The Charles Town Mining, Manufacturing, and Improvement Company played an instrumental role in creating this new town. In 1890, the company bought 850 acres (3.4 km²) adjoining the western and northern corporate limits of Charles Town, and commissioned D.G. Howell, a civil engineer and architect, to lay out the town. The largest tract of land purchased was from the Ranson family. Ranson, in Jefferson County, West Virginia, was officially incorporated in 1910, when residents, by a vote of 67-2, decided to form their own town.[7] It was named in honor of Dr. James Ranson, a dentist and farmer living in the area.

The early growth and development of Ranson reflects the late 19th century boom of the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding areas associated with the rise of the railroads, mining, and manufacturing. Early photographs of Ranson show the offices of the Charles Town Mining, Manufacturing & Improvement Company, and the Hotel Powhatan, along with a few residential structures nearby. The community grew north from Lancaster Circle. Some of the companies that located in Ranson early on included the Hotel Powhatan, the Goetz Saddlery, the Shenandoah Brass and Iron Works, the Elemer E. Beachley Saw and Planing Mill, the John Farrin Boiler and Machine Shop, and the Vulcan Road Machine Company.[8]

One of the most significant structures to be constructed in Ranson was Hotel Powhatan. This four-story frame Queen Anne structure was located on 3.61 acres (14,600 m2) on 3rd Avenue, between Mildred and Preston Streets. The building was designed by "Baldwin and Pennington, Architects", and was built by local contractor Julius C. Holmes for $46,500. The hotel opened in October, 1891, but in 1900, it had become the Powhatan College for Young Women. In 1913, the college closed, and in 1915 it was re-opened by the Episcopal Diocese, under the direction of Maria Pendleton Duval, as St. Hilda's Hall for Girls, a Christian school. In 1921, a dormitory was added on property across the street from the original building. This new structure was known as Peterkin Hall, and currently houses the offices of Amerigas. In 1931, with the stock market crash, the school closed, and was converted into apartments. The original hotel structure burned to the ground on December 11, 1937.[8]

In 1936, the town of Ranson purchased the former Charles Town Mining, Manufacturing & Improvement Company office building from Mr. Getzendauner for $3,000 for the purposes of establishing a town hall. In 2003, the City began a multi-year renovation of the entire building, bringing it into the 21st Century. By 1941, Ranson's population was 1,171. Ranson continued to grow and by 1950, the population increased to 1,436. By 1970, the population had increased to 2,189. In 2000, Ranson had a population of 2,951. By 2010, the population was at 4,440, an increase of over 50% in just 10 years. In the 2000s, the City Council saw a need to grow its tax and employment base after the unfortunate closings of AB&C Corporation, Dixie Narco, and Badger Powhatan, and took advantage of the commercial development opportunities along the 4-lane stretch of State Route 9 north of Ranson. Thus, the Council annexed several thousand acres, which now host commercial, residential, and agricultural properties.[7]