How to Find an X-Ray Tech Degree Program near Fairfax Station Virginia

Best wishes regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Fairfax Station VA so you can learn to be a radiology technologist. And now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you go about picking the ideal school and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at in order to compare each program. Most prospective students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while location and cost should be considered, there are additional important qualifications as well. For instance, you need to find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are examining are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology technician does and the credentials and training choices that are available.

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X-Ray Technician Work Summary

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical principal job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They may practice in Fairfax Station VA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may work with include:

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

Radiographers must maintain their equipment and frequently analyze its performance and safety. They are also required to keep complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Fairfax Station VA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees

The primary requirement for attending an x-ray tech school 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 techs, normally takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that are appropriate also. Something to bear in mind is that Fairfax Station VA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which many colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Virginia or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so check with your state. At present, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many approve other alternatives for testing also. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, many Fairfax Station VA employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Schools

As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is the same for online degree schools. So although you can still earn your online degree, a considerable amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is usually provided in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Fairfax Station VA home. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically find that the online approach to education is much more convenient with their active schedules. Plus online schools are often less costly than on-campus options. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be lessened also. But just confirm that the online college you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then online classes may be the ideal option for you.

Points to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

When you have selected the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of looking for and evaluating Fairfax Station VA x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you look at when reviewing schools? Well, you need to check out if the colleges 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 should ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to make sure that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a rigorous examination of their instructors and course materials. If the program is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Fairfax Station VA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.

Are Internships Offered? Inquire if the Virginia radiology technician programs you are evaluating have associations with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a great way to obtain hands on training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist students and graduates develop professional relationships in the Fairfax Station VA healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Fairfax Station VA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they decide on will need to be within driving distance of their Fairfax Station VA home. Those who have decided to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. 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 might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Fairfax Station VA colleges you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer  school you finally pick can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Fairfax Station VA, make sure 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 need to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of illness, work 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 advantageous to review questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer applicants is "What compelled you to choose radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not just the personal reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what attributes and talents you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should organize several strategies about how you want to answer them. Because there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the talents you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but write down some ideas and anecdotes that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Enroll in the Best X-Ray Tech School near Fairfax Station VA

Choosing the best radiology tech school is a critical first step toward beginning a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. As has been discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are reviewing before making your final decision. This is equally true whether you participate in an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each program so you can focus your options and make your decision. And with the appropriate training and your dedication to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a radiographer in Fairfax Station VA.

Some Background on Fairfax Station Virginia

 

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