Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Dendron VA 23839 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Choose a Radiology Tech College near Dendron Virginia

Dendron VA x-ray tech internship program Congrats regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Dendron VA so you can learn to be a radiologic technician. And now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you tackle picking the right college and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled practitioner? And since most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you might need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you research each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. Most students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and typically gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location need to be taken into account, there are additional important qualifiers as well. For instance, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology technician does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.

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X-Ray Tech Job Summary

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, each has the same primary job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some elect to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for instance mammography. They may practice in Dendron 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 have to maintain their equipment and also frequently assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain complete records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Dendron VA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in Dendron VA The primary prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech program is to have received a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, usually takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to 4 years to finish and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate also. Something to consider is that Dendron VA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their course of study. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many colleges sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification requirements in Virginia or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might have to become licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. At present, all states that do mandate licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many provide additional options for testing also. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Dendron VA employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Dendron 23839 As a component 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 schools. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is typically conducted in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online portion of the training can be accessed in the comfort of your Dendron VA home. Students who continue working while earning their degree typically find that the online style of learning is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online schools are frequently less costly than conventional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But just make sure that the online program you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then online classes may be the right option for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Programs

After you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of locating and assessing Dendron VA x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and ancillary expenses will be an important factor as well. But along with location and cost, what more should you look at when comparing schools? Well, you need to find out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? A large number of xray tech colleges have acquired some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative 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 obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed examination of their instructors and course materials. If the program 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. Besides ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are frequently not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Dendron VA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level positions.

Are Internships Provided? Inquire if the Virginia xray technician programs you are assessing have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific means to receive practical experience in a clinical environment, they are also a means to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they may assist students and graduates develop professional connections in the Dendron VA health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the radiographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Dendron VA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they select will have to be within commuting distance of their Dendron VA residence. Individuals who have chosen 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 keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a program that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges commonly charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges generally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of student that likes to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a smaller class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Dendron VA colleges you are reviewing what the average teacher to student 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 converse with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the radiographer college you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is especially essential if you decide to continue working while attending classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Dendron VA, confirm that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an alternative and how many courses or credit hours you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to review questions you might be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not only the private reasons you might have for being an Xray technician, but also what characteristics and talents you possess that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, in addition to a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must prepare a number of approaches about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the abilities you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down several ideas and talking points that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Enroll in the Best X-Ray Technician College near Dendron VA

Enrolling in the appropriate radiology technician college is a crucial first step toward beginning a rewarding new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the majority of the working day and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements developed 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 interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best possible patient care. As has been addressed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each program you are considering before making your ultimate decision. This is just as true whether you participate in an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each program so you can focus your options before making your decision. And with the right education and your commitment to be successful, you can reach your goal to work as a radiology tech in Dendron VA.

Some Background on Dendron Virginia

Dendron, Virginia

Dendron is a town in Surry County, Virginia, United States. The population was 297 at the 2000 census. Sculptor Leslie Garland Bolling was born in Dendron, as was mayor of Hopewell, Virginia, Curtis W. Harris.

Dendron is located at 37°2′40″N 76°56′5″W / 37.04444°N 76.93472°W / 37.04444; -76.93472 (37.044516, -76.934737).[3]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.6 square miles (9.2 km²), all of it land.

Dendron was originally a mill town, built and run by the Surry Lumber Company in to house employees of its sawmill. The village was known as Mussel Fork Village until 1896 when it was renamed "Dendron." The name was derived from δένδρον, the Greek word for tree. The years after 1896 saw rapid growth and expansion of the sawmill and the Town. More people moved to Dendron and additional Company housing built. By 1906, Dendron had a population of 1513 people, 298 dwellings, two hotels, eighteen Company stores and five churches. By 1928, Dendron's population had reached nearly 3,000 people. In addition to those establishments listed above, there was also a post office, two schools, a jail, two banks, two doctors, a skating rink, a movie theater, and a number of non-company owned businesses; such as a drug store, barber shops, garages, cleaning establishments, a pool room, a restaurant, bakery and an ice cream parlor.

The company also operated a narrow gauge railroad known as Sussex, Surry and Southampton Railway that transported logs to its sawmill in Dendron, and lumber to its wharf on the James River. It also offered passenger service to Dendron and other small towns along its route. One of its steam locomotives built in 1891 was sold to Argent Lumber company in 1926. It was later bought by Midwest Central Railroad in 1960. Completely restored it is still in operation as Midwest Central Railroad's flagship locomotive.