Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Radford VA 24141 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select an Xray Tech College near Radford Virginia

Radford VA x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Radford VA so you can learn to be a radiology technician. And now that you have decided to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, exactly how do you tackle choosing the right college and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And because most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately practice you might need training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s important that you assess each of the colleges you are considering in order to compare each program. Most prospective students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and frequently gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while location and cost should be considered, there are additional significant qualifications also. For example, you should find out if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a radiologic technician does and the degrees and training choices that are offered.

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X-Ray Technician Job Description

There are several professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the same fundamental job description, which is to utilize imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some opt to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They can work in Radford VA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist may utilize 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 routinely analyze its functionality and safety. They are also required to retain detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Radford VA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Radford VA The basic requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist students have the option to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among technicians, usually takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at as much as four years to finish and is more comprehensive in nature. Most students choose a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that are appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that Radford VA radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once 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 practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician program, depending on the state where you will be working you may have to be licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so contact your state. Currently, all states that do mandate licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but a number accept additional options for testing also. Several states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, if not it is optional. Having said that, numerous Radford VA employers will only hire radiology techs that are certified so it may increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Tech Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Radford 24141 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So although you can still earn your degree online, a considerable amount of the training will be fulfilled either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is usually performed in local hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the colleges. However the online segment of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Radford VA home. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually find that the online approach to education is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online colleges are often cheaper than traditional options. Along with reduced tuition, costs for commuting and study materials may be decreased also. But just confirm that the online school you enroll in 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 right choice for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Schools

As soon as you have chosen the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of searching for and assessing Radford VA x-ray technician schools. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend online classes or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be critical. The price of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining factor also. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when evaluating schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these important details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are reviewing.

Are the Radiology Technician Schools Accredited? The majority of radiology tech colleges have earned some type of accreditation, whether national or regional. Nevertheless, it’s still imperative to confirm that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly respected 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 undergone a rigorous evaluation of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online 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 quality education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial aid and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Radford VA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry-level jobs.

Are Internships Sponsored? Ask if the Virginia radiology technician schools you are evaluating have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a terrific way to receive hands on experience in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist students and graduates establish professional relationships in the Radford VA medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Radford VA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a lot of students, the school they decide on will need to be within travelling distance of their Radford VA home. Those who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to worry themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to keep in mind is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges normally charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that prefers to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely want a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Radford VA colleges you are reviewing what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to converse with a few of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Can the School Accommodate your Schedule? And last you must confirm that the radiographer school you ultimately choose can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Radford VA, verify that they are offered. 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, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Want to Become an X-Ray Tech?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's helpful to review questions you may be asked. Among the things that recruiters frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to pick radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not merely the private reasons you might have for being a radiology technician, but also what attributes and talents you possess that make you good at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, in addition to a certain number of standard interview questions, so you must organize several strategies about how you would like to address them. Given that there are numerous factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the talents you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but write down a few concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to formulate your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Radiology Technician College near Radford VA

Selecting the best x-ray tech degree program is a crucial first step toward launching a fulfilling new career providing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the day and position and sometimes lift the patient to get the proper image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. Radiology techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having social skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and furnish the best possible patient care. As we have covered in this post, there are several questions that you should ask each college you are looking at 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 appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each college so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the right education and your dedication to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiologic technologist in Radford VA.

Some Background on Radford Virginia

Radford Army Ammunition Plant

Radford Army Ammunition Plant (RFAAP) is an ammunitions manufacturing complex with facilities located in Pulaski and Montgomery Counties, Virginia. The primary mission of the RFAAP is to manufacture propellants and explosives in support of field artillery, air defense, tank, missile, aircraft and Navy weapons systems. As of 2011 RFAAP is operated by BAE Systems making it the sole supplier of TNT to the US Department of Defense.[1]

RFAAP was established April 5, 1941 as Radford Ordnance Works and New River Plant. In 1945, the works was renamed Radford Arsenal and the New River Ordnance Works was assumed as a subpost until 1950, when it became an integral part of the Radford Arsenal. In 1961 the arsenal was renamed Radford Ordnance Plant and RFAAP in 1963.[2] The facility used an ALCO MRS-1 military diesel locomotive, road number B2072, for switching, which was retired by the 1980s and scrapped at Cycle Systems in Roanoke, Virginia around 1993.[citation needed]

In 1995, Alliant Techsystems, parent company ATK Armament Systems, obtained a “facilities use” contract.[citation needed] In 1999, RFAAP gained the load, assembly and pack mission with the closure of Joliet Army Ammunition Plant, Joliet, Ill.[citation needed] The center manufactures propellant and explosives.[citation needed] On May 12, 2011, the Army announced that BAE Systems had won the "facilities use" contract to become the plant operator. .[citation needed]

In July 2016, RFAAP released a statement regarding the security of the arsenal in response to the mobile game Pokémon Go. A number of civilians were attempting to gain access to the facility to catch Charizard, which is reportedly located in the arsenal's rocket and water tower. RFAAP stated that “This is a secure facility. Trespassers will be prosecuted. We are trying to keep all persons safe.”[3] Many of those trying to gain access for the recreational purpose are students at nearby Radford University and Virginia Tech.

RFAAP is housed on 4,600 acres (19 km2)[4] with 1,038 buildings, 214 igloos and storage capacity of 657,003 square feet[5] where the New River divides Pulaski from Montgomery County.