Schools with Radiology Technician Programs North Augusta SC 29841 Archives

How to Select a Radiology Technician College near North Augusta South Carolina

North Augusta SC x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near North Augusta SC in order to learn to be a radiology technician. But now that you have chosen to go into the gratifying field of healthcare, exactly how do you set about choosing the ideal school and program so that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified practitioner? And since most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may need preparation to pass a licensing test. So it’s imperative that you research each of the colleges you are considering in order to evaluate each program. A number of students start by searching for colleges or technical schools that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while cost and location should be taken into account, there are additional important qualifications as well. For instance, you need to ask if the radiology tech schools are accredited, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the schools you are considering are provided later in this post. But first, let’s explore what a radiology tech does and the degrees and training choices that are available.

X-Ray Technician Job Summary

There are multiple 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, each has the identical primary job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the objective of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many elect to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They may work in North Augusta SC 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 must care for their equipment plus regularly assess its performance and safety. They are also expected to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As North Augusta SC health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

X-Ray Tech Degree Options

x-ray machine in North Augusta SC The primary requirement for enrolling in an x-ray tech program is to have received a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among techs, generally requires 18 months to two years to finish depending on the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish and is more expansive in scope. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other similar majors that are acceptable as well. Something to consider is that North Augusta SC radiographer colleges have a practical training or lab component as part of their curriculum. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of 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 requirements in South Carolina or the state you will be working as applicable.

Radiographer Licensing and Certification

After you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, depending on the state where you will be employed you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites vary so contact your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but a number approve additional options for testing as well. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. Having said that, many North Augusta SC employers prefer to hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it could enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive examination. ARRT also calls for re-certification every two years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technologist Classes

attending x-ray tech school online in North Augusta 29841 As a component of any 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 colleges. So even though you can still earn your online degree, a significant portion of the training will be satisfied either in a college lab or in an internship off campus. Clinical training is often carried out in area family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the colleges. But the online section of the training may be attended in the privacy of your North Augusta SC home. Students who continue working while earning their degree often discover that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online colleges are frequently less expensive than conventional options. Along with reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials can be lessened also. But just confirm that the online school you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less structured type of training, then an online degree may be the ideal choice for you.

Questions to Ask X Ray Tech Schools

After you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can start the process of searching for and assessing North Augusta SC x-ray technician schools. You will also have to decide if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then obviously the location of the school will be relevant. The price of tuition and supplementary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But along with location and cost, what more should you consider when evaluating 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 prior to making your decision, we have compiled a list of questions that you need to ask the colleges you are considering.

Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? The majority of xray tech schools have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. However, it’s still important 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). Schools earning accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed review of their teachers and educational materials. If the college is online it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a premium education, accreditation will also assist in obtaining financial assistance and student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And numerous North Augusta SC employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry level openings.

Are Internships Sponsored? Find out if the South Carolina radiology tech programs you are reviewing have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a great means to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may help graduates and students form professional relationships in the North Augusta SC medical community and assist with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the radiographer programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with North Augusta SC healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they select will have to be within travelling distance of their North Augusta SC residence. Individuals who have chosen to attend online classes naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of local internships will be of concern. Something to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or even 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 often charge a higher tuition to those students that live outside of their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the sort of person that likes to sit far in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably want a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the North Augusta SC colleges you are looking at what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you a chance to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the radiology tech program also.

Does the School Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech school you ultimately choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you decide to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule night or weekend classes in North Augusta SC, check that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would have to enroll in. Also, find out what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Choose to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to reflect on questions you might be asked. Among the things that hiring managers often ask radiographer candidates is "What made you pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not only the personal reasons you may have for being a radiology technician, but also what attributes and skills you have that make you exceptional at your profession. You will likely be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a significant number of standard interview questions, so you need to prepare several strategies about how you want to answer them. Considering there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you in addition to the talents you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the leading choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down several concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample responses can help you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to impress the interviewer.

Choose the Right Radiology Technician School near North Augusta SC

Selecting the best radiology technician college is a crucial first step toward initiating a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiographer should be in good physical condition. X-Ray techs regularly stand for the greater part of the workday and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the correct image. Candidates must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety requirements developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Having social 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 article, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are looking at before making your final selection. This is equally true whether you participate in an online school or travel to classes on campus. By asking the right questions you can examine and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices and make your decision. And with the right training and your commitment to succeed, you can reach your goal to work as a radiographer in North Augusta SC.

Some Background on North Augusta South Carolina

North Augusta, South Carolina

North Augusta is a city in Aiken and Edgefield counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina, on the north bank of the Savannah River. The population was 21,348 at the 2010 census.[5] The city is included in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) and is part of the Augusta, Georgia metropolitan area.

Murphy Village is home to a community of around 2,500 descendants of Irish Travellers, making it the largest population of this group in the United States.[6] The Savannah River cuts through Augusta and North Augusta

North Augusta is located on the Fall Line along the Savannah River, across from Augusta, Georgia. Three earlier towns have stood in the same general area. The English established a trading post known as Savannah Town over 300 years ago. This town was abandoned when Augusta proved to be more prosperous and attractive to traders. Campbelltown was established by John Hammond as a trading point for tobacco and Indian traders over 200 years ago. Again, competition, sometimes violent opposition, from the Georgia side of the Savannah River, coupled with a recession in the tobacco market spelled the end of Campbelltown in the early 19th century.

With the explosion of the cotton economy, this area became an important market for the increasingly valuable produce of planters throughout upper Georgia and South Carolina. In 1821 the town of Hamburg was established by the mechanical genius and entrepreneur Henry Shultz in direct commercial competition with Augusta. In 1833 the South Carolina Rail Road was established, further connecting the cotton collected at Hamburg to the seaport of Charleston. The 1848 construction of the Augusta Canal channeled produce from upriver away from Hamburg. When a bridge linked the South Carolina Rail Road to Augusta allowing traffic to bypass the doomed town of Hamburg, white citizens began to move out of the town, being replaced by blacks after the Civil War. The final blow came in 1876, when a white mob attacked and looted the primarily black town, taking and executing several prisoners, while also wounding several others and attempting to kill the town's elected representatives. Henry Shultz died in poverty and reportedly is buried upright on the bluff overlooking Hamburg with his back to Augusta.

Avoiding the commercial pretensions of its predecessors, North Augusta was founded as a residential and resort town. Much of its development can be traced back to the establishment of the Hampton Terrace Hotel, built in 1902 by James U. Jackson on a hill overlooking the city of Augusta. At the time, the hotel was one of the largest and most luxurious in the nation, and it served many of the travelers who visited Augusta in the early part of the century. An interurban trolley line was constructed through the town with a terminus at the Hampton Terrace, dubbed the Augusta–Aiken Railway and Electric Corporation and later extended to Aiken. Trolley service ended around the time of the Great Depression. North Augusta was originally selected as the site for Hollywood,[citation needed] and many speculate that it was only because of the hotel burning down that it was moved to California. By the time the hotel burned down on New Year's Eve 1916, North Augusta was thriving and remains a major part of the Augusta metropolitan area today.[citation needed]