How to Pick a Radiologic Tech Degree Program in District of Columbia
Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school in District of Columbia so you can train to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you undertake selecting the ideal college and program to ensure that you will obtain the proper training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you investigate each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. Many prospective students begin by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while cost and location should be considered, there are additional critical qualifications also. For example, you must ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the colleges you are evaluating are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and training options that are available.
X-Ray Tech Work Summary
There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the same fundamental 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. Some elect to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They may work in District of Columbia hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician may 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 frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As District of Columbia health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.
Radiology Technician Degrees
The primary prerequisite for attending a radiology tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, normally takes 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to four years to complete and is more expansive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are appropriate as well. One thing to bear in mind is that District of Columbia radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It can often be fulfilled by taking part in an externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you must comply with any licensing or certification requirements in District of Columbia or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-ray Technician Licensing and Certification
When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, 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 contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many provide additional options for testing also. Several states also require certification as part of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. Having said that, numerous District of Columbia employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every 2 years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an examination.
Online Radiology Technician Degrees
As a component of any degree program, District of Columbia x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree schools. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is often carried out in area hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your District of Columbia home. Students who keep working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online style of education is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online programs are often more affordable than traditional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be decreased also. But just confirm 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 right option for you.
Questions to Ask Radiographer Colleges
As soon as you have chosen the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of looking for and evaluating District of Columbia x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be important. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining factor as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when reviewing schools? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the schools you are assessing.
Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of xray technician colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still crucial 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 earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed evaluation 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 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 quality education, accreditation will also help in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are many times not offered for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous District of Columbia employers will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level positions.
Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the District of Columbia radiology tech schools you are assessing have relationships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to receive hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help graduates and students develop professional connections in the District of Columbia medical community and help with job placement.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the radiographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with District of Columbia healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they choose will need to be within driving distance of their District of Columbia residence. Individuals who have chosen 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 importance. One thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.
How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that prefers to sit far in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the District of Columbia schools you are reviewing what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to speak with some of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.
Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the x-ray tech program you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in District of Columbia, make certain that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of illness, work or family emergencies.
Choose the Best X-Ray Tech Program in District of Columbia
Picking the ideal x-ray tech college is a crucial first step toward initiating a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs typically stand for the greater part of the day and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As has been addressed in this post, there are a number of questions that you should ask each school you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you participate in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can focus your choices and make your final choice. And with the right education and your commitment to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in District of Columbia.