Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Ft Myer VA 22211 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find a Radiologic Technician College near Ft Myer Virginia

Ft Myer VA x-ray tech internship program Best wishes regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Ft Myer VA so you can become a radiology technician. And now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, just how do you tackle selecting the right school and program so that you will get the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that x-ray technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently work you might need preparation to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you research each of the colleges you are considering in order to evaluate each program. Many potential students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location must be taken into account, there are other critical qualifiers also. For example, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiology tech does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.

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X-Ray Technician Occupation Summary

There are multiple professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They can also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, each has the identical primary job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to practice as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, such as mammography. They may work in Ft Myer VA clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might 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 care for their equipment and frequently analyze its performance and safety. They are also required to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Ft Myer VA health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Ft Myer VA The standard prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech program is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to finish and is more comprehensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Ft Myer VA radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may frequently be fulfilled by taking part 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 must abide by any certification or licensing mandates in Virginia or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist college, depending on the state where you will be practicing you might need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their requirements differ so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but several offer other options for testing also. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Ft Myer VA employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase 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 exam. ARRT also requires re-certification every other year, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Ft Myer 22211 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So while you can still earn your online degree, a considerable amount of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is typically conducted in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Ft Myer VA residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually discover that the online approach to learning is much more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are often less costly than traditional alternatives. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just be sure that the online college you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.

Topics to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

After you have selected the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of finding and evaluating Ft Myer VA x-ray tech schools. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be critical. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But along with location and cost, what more should you factor in when reviewing schools? Well, you need to find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these essential details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are looking at.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? The majority of radiology technician schools have received some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive examination of their teachers and course materials. If the program is online it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. 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 premium education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Ft Myer VA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry level openings.

Are Internships Sponsored? Inquire if the Virginia xray technician colleges you are interested in have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent way to obtain practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can help students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Ft Myer VA health care community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Ft Myer VA healthcare employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the College Located? For a number of students, the school they select will need to be within travelling distance of their Ft Myer VA residence. Students who have opted to attend classes online obviously 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 consider 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 generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit far in the back of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Ft Myer VA schools you are looking at 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 a chance to speak with several of the students and instructors to get their opinions regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer program you finally choose 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 Ft Myer VA, make sure that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, find out if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's advantageous to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for becoming an Xray technician, but additionally what attributes and skills you possess that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you need to ready a number of strategies about how you would like to answer them. Given that there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but jot down some ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Pick the Ideal X-Ray Technician Program near Ft Myer VA

Selecting the right x-ray tech school is a critical first step toward initiating a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs typically stand for the majority of the day and position and at times lift the patient to get the correct image. Candidates must also show a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety requirements designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs 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 available patient care. As has been addressed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is equally true whether you participate in an online school or commute to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the proper education and your motivation to succeed, you can realize your goal to work as a x-ray tech in Ft Myer VA.

Some Background on Ft Myer Virginia

Fort Myer

Fort Myer is the previous name used for a U.S. Army post next to Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia, and across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Founded during the American Civil War as Fort Whipple, the post merged in 2005 with the neighboring Marine Corps installation, Henderson Hall, and is today named Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

In 1861, the land that Fort Myer would eventually use was part of the Custis-Lee Family Plantation that Robert E. Lee and his wife Mary Custis Lee owned and lived at when not stationed elsewhere. After the Civil War began, the State of Virginia seceeded, Lee resigned his commission, and they evacuated the Mansion. The Plantation was confiscated by the United States Government and included a Freeman's Village and began use as a cemetery for the Union dead: eventually becoming Arlington National Cemetery.

Fort Myer was established as Fort Whipple, after Brevet Major General Amiel Weeks Whipple, who died in May 1863, during the Civil War. It had a perimeter of 658 yards, and places for 43 guns.[4] Whipple Field was named in his honor.

On Feb. 4, 1881, the post was renamed for Brigadier General Albert J. Myer, who established the Signal School of Instruction for Army and Navy Officers there in 1869. Since then it has been a Signal Corps post, a showcase for the US Army's cavalry, and, since the 1940s, home to the US Army's elite ceremonial units — The US Army Band ("Pershing's Own") and the US Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment ("The Old Guard").

The National Weather Service was originated there by General Albert J. Myer in 1870.[5]