Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Lunenburg VA 23952 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select a Radiologic Tech Program near Lunenburg Virginia

Lunenburg VA x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Lunenburg VA in order to learn to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have chosen to go into the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you undertake selecting the ideal school and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And since most states do mandate that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you research each of the schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Many students begin by looking for colleges or technical schools that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifiers as well. For instance, you should ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they sponsor internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s talk about what a radiologic tech does and the degrees and education choices that are available.

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X-Ray Tech Job Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be referred to as radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. No matter what the name, they all have the same primary job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They can practice in Lunenburg VA hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technician 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 regularly assess its functionality and safety. They are additionally expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Lunenburg VA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Lunenburg VA The primary prerequisite for attending an x-ray tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. 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 techs, usually requires 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 other related majors that are acceptable as well. One thing to bear in mind is that Lunenburg VA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may frequently be satisfied by participating in an externship program which many colleges offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Virginia or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be employed you may need to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the purpose of licensing, but several approve other options for testing also. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is optional. However, numerous Lunenburg VA employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in Lunenburg 23952 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 colleges. So although you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Practical training is typically conducted in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Lunenburg VA residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually find that the online approach to education is much more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are often more affordable than conventional options. In addition to reduced tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be reduced also. But just be sure that the online school you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the ideal option for you.

Points to Ask Radiographer Programs

Once you have selected the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of finding and evaluating Lunenburg VA x-ray tech schools. You will also have to determine if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the college will be critical. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a material variable also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you consider when evaluating colleges? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you find out some of these important details prior to making your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you must ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Programs Accredited? The majority of xray technician colleges have obtained some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still crucial to confirm that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a quality education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited programs. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous Lunenburg VA health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited program for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the Virginia xray tech schools you are interested in have partnerships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to receive practical experience in a clinical setting, they are also a way to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may help students and graduates develop professional connections in the Lunenburg VA healthcare community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the radiographer programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Lunenburg 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 college they decide on will have to be within travelling distance of their Lunenburg VA home. Individuals who have opted to attend online classes naturally will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may need to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit way in the rear of class or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Lunenburg VA colleges you are considering what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And last you need to verify that the x-ray tech college you finally choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Lunenburg VA, confirm that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Choose to Be an Xray Technician?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to consider questions you may be asked. Among the questions that hiring managers typically ask radiographer candidates is "What drove you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions pertaining specifically to radiography, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you must organize a number of ideas about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are several variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this primary question in a variety of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the strengths you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down a few ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Pick the Best Radiology Technician College near Lunenburg VA

Picking the ideal x-ray technician school is a critical first step toward starting a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical shape. X-Ray techs often stand for the greater part of the day and move and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a good work environment and provide the best possible care to patients. As we have discussed in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each school so you can narrow down your choices before making your final choice. And with the right education and your commitment to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to work as a radiographer in Lunenburg VA.

Some Background on Lunenburg Virginia

Lunenburg County, Virginia

Lunenburg County is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2010 census, the population was 12,914.[1] Its county seat is Lunenburg.[2]

Lunenburg County was established on May 1, 1746, from Brunswick County. The county is named for the former Duchy of Brunswick-Lunenburg[3] in Germany, because one of the titles also carried by Britain's Hanoverian kings was Duke of Brunswick-Lunenburg. It is nicknamed "The Old Free State" because during the buildup of the Civil War, it let Virginia know the county would break off if the state did not join The Confederacy.[4]

Among the earliest settlers of the county was William Taylor, born in King William County, Virginia. He was the son of Rev. Daniel Taylor, a Virginia native and Anglican priest educated at Trinity College, Cambridge University[5] in England, and his wife Alice (Littlepage) Taylor. William Taylor married Martha Waller, a daughter of Benjamin Waller of Williamsburg, Virginia.[6]

In 1760 Taylor purchased three adjoining tracts of land in Lunenburg County totaling 827 acres (3.35 km2). Taylor soon became one of the county's leading citizens, representing Lunenburg in the Virginia House of Burgesses from 1765 until 1768.[7] In that capacity, Taylor voted in 1765 to support statesman Patrick Henry's Virginia Resolves in 1765.[8] Taylor served as County Clerk for 51 years (1763–1814).

Taylor was succeeded as County Clerk by his son William Henry Taylor, who held the office for another 32 years—from 1814 until 1846. Another son, General Waller Taylor, represented Lunenburg in the Virginia legislature, then moved to Vincennes, Indiana. There he became a judge and subsequently Adjutant General of the United States Army under General William Henry Harrison in the War of 1812. General Waller Taylor later served as one of the first United States Senators from the newly created state of Indiana from 1816 to 1825. He died on a visit home to see his relatives in Lunenburg County in 1826.[9]