Schools with Radiologic Technologist Programs Arlington VA 22201 Archives

How to Find an Xray Technician School near Arlington Virginia

Arlington VA x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Arlington VA so you can learn to be a radiologic technologist. And now that you have decided to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about choosing the right school and program to ensure that you will get the proper training to become a skilled professional? And considering that most states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you might need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. Most potential students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and frequently settle on the most affordable cost. But while expense and location must be considered, there are additional critical qualifications as well. For instance, you need to ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are reviewing are presented later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and education 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 can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical fundamental 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 administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many opt to work as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They may work in Arlington VA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist 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 maintain their equipment and frequently evaluate its performance and safety. They are also required to keep in-depth records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Arlington VA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degree Options

x-ray machine in Arlington VA The basic requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally takes 18 months to two years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as 4 years to finish and is more expansive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable also. One thing to consider is that Arlington VA radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It can frequently 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 must abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Virginia or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but several provide additional options for testing also. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, many Arlington VA employers prefer to hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which may be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Arlington 22201 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So while you can still earn your degree online, a large amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is typically performed in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training can be attended in the privacy of your Arlington VA home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree typically find that the online style of learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are often less expensive than conventional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be lessened as well. But just make sure that the online school you pick 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 best choice for you.

What to Ask Radiologic Tech Schools

Once you have chosen the type of degree that you want to earn, you can initiate the process of looking for and evaluating Arlington VA x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to determine if you want to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But along with location and cost, what else should you look at when evaluating schools? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the programs you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? A large number of radiology technician colleges have received some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to make sure 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 rigorous assessment of their instructors and course materials. If the school is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Arlington VA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Find out if the Virginia xray technician colleges you are assessing have partnerships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to obtain practical experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Arlington VA healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Arlington VA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a lot of students, the college they pick will have to be within driving distance of their Arlington VA residence. Students who have opted to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition for those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of person that prefers to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Small classes permit more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Arlington VA colleges you are reviewing what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology technician program also.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer program you ultimately pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in Arlington VA, make certain that they are offered. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Be a Radiology Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to consider questions you might be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers typically ask radiographer applicants is "What made you decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not just the personal reasons you may have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what qualities and skills you have that make you good at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, along with a significant number of general interview questions, so you need to ready a number of approaches about how you would like to address them. Because there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession appeals to you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down several ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Select the Best X-Ray Tech Program near Arlington VA

Enrolling in the ideal x-ray technician college is a crucial first step toward launching a gratifying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the day and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety guidelines designed 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 social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As we have addressed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are reviewing before making your final selection. This is just as 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 school so you can focus your choices before making your final choice. And with the right training and your dedication to succeed, you can achieve your goal to practice as a radiographer in Arlington VA.

Some Background on Arlington Virginia

Arlington County, Virginia

Arlington County is a county in the Commonwealth of Virginia coterminous with the U.S. Census Bureau's census-designated place of Arlington, which is the second-largest principal city of the Washington metropolitan area in the United States.[1] As a result, the county is often referred to in the region simply as "Arlington" or "Arlington, Virginia". In 2016, the county's population was estimated at 230,050,[2] making it the sixth-largest county in Virginia, or the fourth-largest city if it were incorporated as such. It is the highest-income county in the U.S. by median family income,[3] and has the highest concentration of singles in the region.[4]

The county is situated in Northern Virginia on the southwestern bank of the Potomac River directly across from Washington, D.C., of which it was once a part. With a land area of 26 square miles (67 km2), Arlington is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the U.S., and by reason of state law regarding population density, has no incorporated towns within its borders. Due to the county's proximity to downtown Washington, D.C., Arlington is home to many important installations for the capital region and U.S. government, including the Pentagon, Reagan National Airport, and Arlington National Cemetery. Many schools and universities have campuses in Arlington, most prominently the Antonin Scalia Law School of George Mason University.

The area that now constitutes Arlington County was originally part of Fairfax County in the Colony of Virginia. Land grants from the British monarch were awarded to prominent Englishmen in exchange for political favors and efforts at development. One of the grantees was Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, who lends his name to both Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax. The county's name "Arlington" comes via Henry Bennet, Earl of Arlington, a Plantation along the Potomac River, and Arlington House, the family residence on that property. (Ultimately, the name is a variant of Harlington, London, seat of the first Baron of Arlington; it in turn derives from Hygerǣd, an Anglo-Saxon noble's name.) George Washington Parke Custis, grandson of First Lady Martha Washington, acquired this land in 1802. The estate was eventually passed down to Mary Anna Custis Lee, wife of General Robert E. Lee.[5] The property later became Arlington National Cemetery during the American Civil War, and eventually lent its name to present-day Arlington County.

The area that now contains Arlington County was ceded to the new United States federal government by Virginia. With the passage of the Residence Act in 1790, Congress approved a new permanent capital to be located on the Potomac River, the exact area to be selected by U.S. President George Washington. The Residence Act originally only allowed the President to select a location within Maryland as far east as what is now the Anacostia River. However, President Washington shifted the federal territory's borders to the southeast in order to include the pre-existing city of Alexandria at the District's southern tip. In 1791, Congress amended the Residence Act to approve the new site, including the territory ceded by Virginia.[6] However, this amendment to the Residence Act specifically prohibited the "erection of the public buildings otherwise than on the Maryland side of the River Potomac."[7] As permitted by the United States Constitution, the initial shape of the federal district was a square, measuring 10 miles (16 km) on each side, totaling 100 square miles (260 km2). During 1791–92, Andrew Ellicott and several assistants placed boundary stones at every mile point. Fourteen of these markers were in Virginia and many of the stones are still standing.[8]

When Congress arrived in the new capital, they passed the Organic Act of 1801 to officially organize the District of Columbia and placed the entire federal territory, including the cities of Washington, Georgetown, and Alexandria, under the exclusive control of Congress. Further, the unincorporated territory within the District was organized into two counties: the County of Washington to the east of the Potomac and the County of Alexandria to the west. It included all of the present Arlington County, plus part of what is now the independent city of Alexandria.[9] This Act formally established the borders of the area that would eventually become Arlington but the citizens located in the District were no longer considered residents of Maryland or Virginia, thus ending their representation in Congress.[10]