Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Clifton VA 20124 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select an X-Ray Tech College near Clifton Virginia

Clifton VA x-ray tech internship program Best wishes on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Clifton VA so you can train to be a radiologic technologist. But now that you have made a decision to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle selecting the right college and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might require preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s important that you assess each of the schools you are considering so that you can compare each program. A number of prospective students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually settle on the most affordable cost. But while location and cost must be taken into account, there are additional important qualifiers also. For example, you should ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are examining are provided later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a x-ray tech does and the credentials and education options that are offered.

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Radiology Tech Occupation Description

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the identical primary job function, which is to employ imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They may work in Clifton VA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might 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 also frequently analyze its functionality and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Clifton VA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Clifton VA The primary requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, usually takes 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to finish and is more expansive in scope. Most students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable also. One thing to consider is that Clifton VA radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may often be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics 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

When you have graduated from an Radiologist program, depending on the state where you will be working you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their requirements vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many provide other alternatives for testing also. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Clifton VA employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technologist Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Clifton 20124 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually provided in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online segment of the training may be attended in the comfort of your Clifton VA residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are frequently less costly than traditional alternatives. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for commuting and study materials may be lessened also. But just confirm that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.

Subjects to Ask Radiographer Programs

As soon as you have decided on the kind of degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of locating and assessing Clifton VA x-ray technician schools. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and ancillary expenses will be an important factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what more should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Technician Schools Accredited? Most xray technician schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important to make sure 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 receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous assessment of their teachers and course materials. If the school is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets 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 guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in getting financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Clifton VA employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level openings.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the Virginia radiology tech colleges you are reviewing have associations with local clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to obtain hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students form professional relationships in the Clifton VA health care community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Clifton VA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the college they select will need to be within driving distance of their Clifton VA home. Students who have chosen to attend online classes obviously will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of importance. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might have 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.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the type of student that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will likely prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Clifton VA schools you are reviewing what the average teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. 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 several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to confirm that the radiographer college you finally pick can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Clifton VA, make sure that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Decide to Be an Xray Technician?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to reflect on questions you might be asked. One of the things that hiring managers often ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to select radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not merely the private reasons you might have for being an X-Ray tech, but also what qualities and abilities you possess that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, as well as a significant number of standard interview questions, so you need to organize several approaches about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the best choice for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down several ideas and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can assist you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Select the Ideal Radiology Technician College near Clifton VA

Selecting the best radiology technician school is a crucial first step toward initiating a satisfying new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical shape. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the working day and move and at times lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing social skills is a must in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible patient care. As has been discussed in this post, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing before making your ultimate decision. This is equally true whether you enroll in an online school or drive to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each program so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the appropriate education and your commitment to succeed, you can reach your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Clifton VA.

Some Background on Clifton Virginia

Clifton, Virginia

Clifton is an incorporated town located in southwestern Fairfax County, Virginia, United States, with a population of 282 at the time of the 2010 census,[3] up from 185 at the 2000 census.

Incorporated by the General Assembly on March 9, 1902, Clifton is currently one of only three towns in the county, the other two being Vienna and Herndon. Clifton's history begins pre-colonially, when the area was used as hunting grounds by the local Dogue Native American tribe. A railroad siding was constructed here during the Civil War, and the area became titled as Devereux Station. A nearby neighborhood on the outskirts of the Clifton ZIP code has this name. Development of a village at the siding began in 1868 when a railroad depot, named "Clifton Station", was constructed.

Unlike most areas in Northern Virginia, the land around Clifton is far less built up than nearby areas, especially to its east and southwest. This was out of the worry that overdevelopment near Bull Run and the Occoquan River would be environmentally damaging to the Occoquan Reservoir. Consequently, as development edged near the area in the late 1970s and early 1980s, an ordinance was enacted stating that only one building could be placed on 5-acre (20,000 m2) parcels that have not already been divided. Today, the southern and eastern portions of the area are heavily forested, with single-family homes, while the northern area has become equestrian areas.

Before the arrival of European settlers, the present-day Clifton area was part of the hunting grounds used by Algonquin-speaking members of the Dogue tribe. The Dogue lived in villages and towns along the Potomac River and nearby Occoquan River. They carved bowls out of soapstone found in the area.[4]

European settlers composed of Scots merchants created the first nearby port settlement in the mid-1710s near the present-day Dumfries-Triangle area.[5] Land in the Clifton area began to be settled in the early 18th century.[6]