How to Select an X-Ray Tech School near Union West Virginia
Best wishes regarding your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Union WV so you can train to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have decided to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle choosing the right school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a skilled professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may need preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s essential that you assess each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. Many students start by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often settle on the most affordable cost. But while cost and location need to be considered, there are additional important qualifications as well. For example, you should find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the colleges you are considering are provided later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and education choices that are available.
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Radiology Technician Job Description
There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, they all have the identical principal job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Union WV clinics, hospitals, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician might work with 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 plus routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep complete records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Union WV medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Tech Degree Options
The standard requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have earned 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, generally takes 18 months to two years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to finish and is more expansive in nature. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to consider is that Union WV radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It can frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in West Virginia or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing
Once you have graduated from an Radiologist program, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several provide additional options for testing also. A number of states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, many Union WV employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may 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 exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online X-Ray Tech Colleges
As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree schools. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a large amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is often carried out in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Union WV residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically find that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are often more affordable than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials can be decreased also. But just confirm that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the best option for you.
Subjects to Ask Radiology Tech Schools
When you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of finding and evaluating Union WV x-ray tech colleges. You will also need to decide if you want to attend online classes or drive to a local campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining factor also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you look at when evaluating colleges? 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 important details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are considering.
Are the X-Ray Tech Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray technician schools have earned some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to confirm that the school and program 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). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the school is online it may also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Besides guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Union WV employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry level openings.
Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the West Virginia radiology tech colleges you are reviewing have partnerships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to obtain hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they can assist graduates and students form professional connections in the Union WV health care community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Union WV healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the college they select will have to be within driving distance of their Union WV home. Those who have opted to attend classes online naturally will not have to worry 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 normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.
What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit far in the rear of class or get lost 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 Union WV colleges you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.
Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must verify that the radiographer program you ultimately select can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while you attend classes. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Union WV, confirm that they are offered. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Why Did You Decide to Become a Radiologic Technologist?
When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to consider questions you may be asked. One of the questions that interviewers frequently ask radiographer prospects is "What made you choose radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming an X-Ray tech, but additionally what qualities and skills you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating primarily to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare some ideas about how you want to answer them. Given that there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the abilities you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down a few concepts and talking points that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample answers can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the recruiter.Choose the Right X-Ray Technician Program near Union WV
Selecting the best x-ray technician degree program is a critical first step toward initiating a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs typically stand for the greater part of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. As has been covered in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing before making your final selection. 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 school so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the right education and your dedication to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiographer in Union WV.
Some Background on Union West Virginia
Doddridge County, West Virginia
Doddridge County is a county in the U.S. state of West Virginia. Its county seat is West Union.[1]
Doddridge County is part of the Clarksburg, West Virginia, WV Micropolitan Statistical Area.
The area that became Doddridge County, Virginia — now West Virginia — was first settled in the late 1780s by James Caldwell, who owned 20,000 acres (81 km2) of land that included present West Union. Caldwell sold this land to Nathan Davis, Jr (1772-1866) and his brothers about 1807. They in turn sold 16,000 acres (65 km2) to Lewis Maxwell (1790-1862), a Virginia Assembly delegate in the 1820s who later became a U.S. Congressman. In 1828 Ephraim Bee, Sr (1802–1888) and his wife Catherine established a log home on Meathouse Fork of Middle Island Creek, now part of West Union. They built an Inn across the "Creek" (really a river) at what was then called Lewisport (Congressman Maxwell's namesake), below a blockhouse on the Northwestern Turnpike. The "Beehive Inn" became a popular place for travelers and locals to meet, refresh themselves and re-provision. Bee operated the first local blacksmith shop; a farm, stables, tannery and horse-racing track soon followed.
According to Ephraim's father, A.A. Bee: "The first bridge across Middle Island Creek [at West Union] was of hewed logs with a center abutment of stones. In the great flood of 1835 it was washed away". In 1842, a contract was awarded to the well-known civil engineer Claudius Crozet to build a covered bridge at West Union, as part of a series of public works along the Turnpike. Ephraim Bee was by this time a district officer, magistrate, state legislator, hotelier, and postmaster. As blacksmith, he made all the bolts and bands for the West Union Covered Bridge, completed in 1843.
Doddridge County was officially created in 1845 from parts of Harrison, Tyler, Ritchie, and Lewis Counties of what was then still Virginia. It was named for Philip Doddridge (1773–1832), the late distinguished statesman of western Virginia,[2][3] who had spent the greater part of his life in Brooke County. When it was announced the new county would be formed, Ephraim Bee rallied to locate the county seat at Lewisport. But Nathan Davis, Jr (who was Ephraim's wife's uncle), William F. Randolph, and others, won out in favor of West Union, across the river on the south side. There Ethelbert Bond laid out the town lots in regular fashion on land formerly owned by Davis.
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