Xray Tech Courses
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Leesburg Virginia
You are about to embark on a career path that will be rewarding both personally and financially as a medical specialist when you enroll in an X-ray technician school near Leesburg VA. But exactly how do you go about locating and choosing the best college and program so that you are fully trained and prepared to begin your career of providing quality healthcare services? And considering that most states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might need training to pass a licensing test. So it's important that you investigate each of the X-ray technician schools you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Many prospective students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Cost is obviously important, and students often gravitate toward the school with the most affordable tuition. But there are other important qualifications apart from cost and location that should be part of the decision making process as well. For instance, you must find out whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others that you should ask the X-ray Tech schools you are considering are provided later in this article. But first, let's discuss what a radiologic tech does and the credentials and training choices that are available.
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X-Ray Technician Career Description
X-ray technicians are a category of radiologic technologist, which is a healthcare professional specializing in using diagnostic imagery equipment. X-ray techs are tasked with preparing patients for imaging procedures, maintaining and operating equipment, and working with doctors to interpret the results of an imaging scan. Over half of all radiologic techs work in hospitals, however X-ray techs are important providers in a number of different Leesburg VA healthcare facilities, including physician offices, immediate care centers and diagnostic laboratories. Although it varies by facility, some X-ray technicians will be called on to work evenings, weekends and even holidays to provide emergency services for patients. An X-ray tech’s job location also has some bearing on their routine job functions. They can work at clinics where they may ask health background questions, take patient’s vital measurements and perform basic lab procedures. In a large facility, they may use fluoroscopy to provide assistance during surgical procedures. There are a number of options for X-ray technicians to work in medical facilities that meet their interests, specializations and scheduling requirements.
X-Ray Tech Degrees Available
The primary prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech school is to have attained 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 technicians, normally takes 18 months to two years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor's Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish and is more expansive in nature. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that may be acceptable as well. One thing to bear in mind is that radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can typically be satisfied by taking part in an externship program which many schools sponsor through local clinics and hospitals in Leesburg VA or their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must comply with any certification or licensing mandates in Virginia or the state you will be working as applicable.
X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing
After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, depending on the state where you will be practicing you may need to be licensed. Most states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so contact your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number accept additional alternatives for testing also. A number of states also require certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. However, many Leesburg area employers favor hiring radiology techs that have earned certification so it may improve your career options in and around Leesburg VA to become certified. ARRT's certification program requires graduation from an approved program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.
Online Radiology Tech Degrees
As a part of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their course of study. This is no different for online degree colleges. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a considerable portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off campus. Practical training is typically provided in Leesburg VA hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. However the online segment of the training may be accessed in the privacy of your Leesburg residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree usually find that the online approach to learning is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are generally cheaper than traditional options. Along with lower tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting may be lessened as well. But just make sure that the online program you choose is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are dedicated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online school may be the best choice for you.
Points to Ask Radiographer Colleges
When you have chosen the kind of degree that you would like to obtain, you can start the process of locating and evaluating x-ray tech colleges near Leesburg VA. You will also need to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or drive to a local campus. If you opt for the latter, then of course the location of the school will be important. The cost of tuition and supplementary expenses will be a determining variable as well. But in addition to location and cost, what more should you look at when reviewing colleges? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your selection, we have compiled a list of questions that you should ask the schools you are looking at.
Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of radiology tech schools have obtained some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it's still imperative to make sure that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a detailed assessment of their teachers and educational materials. If the school is online it may also receive 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 superior education, accreditation will also help in securing financial aid and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Leesburg VA health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level openings.
Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the radiology tech programs you are evaluating have relationships with area hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to receive practical training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the practical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist students and graduates establish professional connections in the Leesburg VA healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in Leesburg VA in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the radiographer programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Virginia healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they choose will need to be within travelling distance of their Leesburg VA home. Those who have chosen to attend classes online obviously will not have to concern themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to bear in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you may have to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges typically charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.
How Big are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit way in the back of class or hide in the crowd, you will probably prefer a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Leesburg VA schools you are looking at what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may want to monitor one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to talk with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the xray technician program as well.
Can the College 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 classes. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in the Leesburg VA area, check that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More on How to Become an X-Ray Technician in Leesburg
Enroll in the Right Leesburg X-Ray Tech Program
Picking the ideal x-ray technician degree program is a critical first step toward launching a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the working day and position and at times lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Prospects must also show an ability to pay close attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines designed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best available patient care. As has been covered in this report, there are a number of questions that you should ask each college you are looking at prior to making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online program or drive to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the proper education and your dedication to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a X-ray tech in Leesburg Virginia.
Leesburg X Ray Tech Programs | Leesburg Radiologic Technologist Schools