How to Pick an X-Ray Technician Degree Program near Blacksburg Virginia
Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Blacksburg VA in order to learn to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you tackle selecting the ideal college and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And because most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are considering so that you can evaluate each program. Many students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be considered, there are other significant qualifications as well. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internships. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and training options that are available.
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Radiology Tech Work Summary
There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, each has the same primary job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, for instance mammography. They may work in Blacksburg VA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 frequently evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Blacksburg VA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.
X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered
The basic requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon 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 scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are acceptable as well. Something to consider is that Blacksburg VA radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification mandates in Virginia or the state you will be working as applicable.
Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification
Once you have graduated from an Radiologist school, based on the state where you will be employed you might have to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so check with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but a number offer other options for testing also. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Blacksburg VA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Technician Classes
As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So even though you can still earn your degree online, a substantial portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is usually performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Blacksburg VA residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree often find that the online approach to learning is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online programs are frequently more affordable than on-campus options. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be lessened as well. But just make certain that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the best option for you.
Questions to Ask Radiographer Schools
After you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of finding and assessing Blacksburg VA x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and supplementary expenses will be an important factor also. But along with location and cost, what else should you look at when evaluating colleges? Well, you should check out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these important details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are reviewing.
Are the Radiology Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of radiology technician schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to verify that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through an extensive assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Blacksburg VA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.
Are Internship Programs Provided? Inquire if the Virginia radiology technician programs you are assessing have relationships with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great manner to get practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional connections in the Blacksburg VA medical community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Blacksburg VA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they select will need to be within commuting distance of their Blacksburg VA residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to bear 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 need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges often charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Blacksburg VA colleges you are looking at what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program as well.
Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer program you ultimately pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially crucial if you choose to continue working while attending classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Blacksburg VA, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, find out 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 due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Why Did You Want to Become an X-Ray Tech?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer candidates is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not merely the private reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but also what characteristics and talents you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you must organize some ideas about how you would like to address them. Since there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the talents you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but jot down some ideas and talking points that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.Pick the Best X-Ray Technician School near Blacksburg VA
Enrolling in the best x-ray technician degree program is a critical first step toward initiating a gratifying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As we have discussed in this report, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are considering prior to making your final selection. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the right training and your dedication to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Blacksburg VA.
Some Background on Blacksburg Virginia
Blacksburg, Virginia
Blacksburg is an incorporated town in Montgomery County, Virginia, United States, with a population of 42,620 at the 2010 census. Blacksburg is dominated economically and demographically by the presence of Virginia Tech (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University).
Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Radford are the three principal jurisdictions of the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses those jurisdictions and all of Montgomery, Pulaski, and Giles counties for statistical purposes. The MSA has an estimated population of 159,587 [4] and is currently one of the faster-growing MSAs in Virginia.
In 2011, BusinessWeek named Blacksburg as the "Best Place in the U.S. to Raise Kids".[5] Also in 2011, readers of Southern Living named Blacksburg the "Best College Town in the South".[6] Its public transportation system, Blacksburg Transit, which also connects to the neighboring town of Christiansburg, has repeatedly been recognized for the quality of its service.[7]Blacksburg High School, which in 2013 opened a new building,[8] is often ranked among the top schools of the nation for its academics. Its soccer, track, and cross-country teams are also among the top in the state.
Blacksburg was the scene of the Virginia Tech shootings on April 16, 2007, when 32 people were killed and 17 wounded by a lone gunman. At the time, it was the deadliest shooting carried out by a single gunman in U.S. history, and generated considerable media coverage and discussion.
In the mid-1600s, English colonists were still uncertain of what lay beyond the Allegheny Mountains, whose topography and possession by native inhabitants, Tutelo-speaking tribes, were a barrier to expanded settlement by the Colony of Virginia. Abraham Wood, who commanded Fort Henry on the frontier (now the site of Petersburg, Virginia), and operated an Indian trading post nearby, organized several expeditions to explore farther west. A passage over the ridge was finally found in 1671 when explorers Batts and Fallam, sent by Wood, reached the present-day location of Blacksburg, Virginia. Their expedition followed Stroubles Creek, through the current locations of the town and campus of Virginia Tech, to what they named Wood's River.
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