Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Chapel Hill NC 27514

How to Find an X-Ray Technician School near Chapel Hill North Carolina

Chapel Hill NC x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Chapel Hill NC so you can train to be a radiologic technician. But now that you have decided to go into the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you go about selecting the ideal school and program so that you will receive the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And since most states do require that radiology techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately practice you might require training to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the schools you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Many students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their residences. Next, they check tuition and usually gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be taken into consideration, there are other critical qualifications as well. For example, you should ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are evaluating are presented later in this article. But first, let’s explore what a x-ray technician does and the degrees and training options that are available.

Radiology Technician Work Description

There are a number of professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians or radiographers. Regardless of the name, each has the same fundamental job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Some radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some choose to perform as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, for example mammography. They can work in Chapel Hill NC hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech 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 maintain their equipment and regularly analyze its performance and safety. They are also required to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Chapel Hill NC health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

Radiology Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Chapel Hill NC The standard prerequisite for enrolling in an x-ray tech school is to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, usually requires 18 months to 2 years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more extensive in nature. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are appropriate also. Something to keep in mind is that Chapel Hill NC radiographer programs have a practical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may frequently be fulfilled by taking part in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any licensing or certification requirements in North Carolina or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

Radiologic Technologist Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an X-Ray tech school, based on the state where you will be employed you may have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their requirements vary so check with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensing will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number provide other options for testing as well. Some states also call for certification as part of the licensing process, if not it is voluntary. However, many Chapel Hill NC employers would rather hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it may increase your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also demands re-certification every two years, which can be fulfilled with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an examination.

Online Radiology Tech Schools

attending x-ray tech school online in Chapel Hill 27514 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree programs. So even though you can still obtain your online degree, a large amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is typically provided in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online section of the training can be attended in the comfort of your Chapel Hill NC residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree often discover that the online style of learning is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are often cheaper than on-campus alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenditures for study materials and commuting can be lessened also. But just be sure that the online college you pick is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized type of training, then an online degree may be the best choice for you.

Points to Ask Radiographer Schools

When you have decided on the type of degree that you would like to obtain, you can begin the process of locating and assessing Chapel Hill NC x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you prefer to attend classes online or commute to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be important. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a material factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you factor in when evaluating schools? Well, you should ask if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these essential details prior to making your selection, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are considering.

Are the X-Ray Technician Colleges Accredited? Most radiology tech schools have acquired some type of accreditation, whether regional or national. Nevertheless, it’s still important to verify that the school and program 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have gone through a rigorous examination of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. All accrediting agencies should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a quality education, accreditation will also assist in getting financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And numerous Chapel Hill NC health facilities will only hire a graduate of an accredited school for entry-level positions.

Are Internship Programs Offered? Inquire if the North Carolina xray technician programs you are evaluating have relationships with regional hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Internships are not only a great manner to get practical training in a clinical environment, they are also a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they can assist graduates and students develop professional connections in the Chapel Hill NC health care community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing 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 good relationships with Chapel Hill NC healthcare employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For many students, the school they select will have to be within travelling distance of their Chapel Hill NC home. Individuals who have opted 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 importance. One thing to consider is that if you choose to enroll in a school that is out of state or even 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 generally charge a higher tuition for those students that live outside of their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit way in the back of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will probably prefer a smaller class size. Small classes allow for more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Chapel Hill NC colleges you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate decision. This will also give you an opportunity to converse with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program also.

Does the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must confirm that the radiographer program you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly crucial if you opt to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Chapel Hill NC, check that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, find out if that is an option and how many courses or credit hours you would need to carry. Also, find out what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

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

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's a good idea to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer prospects is "What made you select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not merely the private reasons you may have for becoming an Xray technician, but also what attributes and skills you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you must prepare several approaches about how you want to address them. Because there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can address this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you as well as the strengths you have that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the perfiect 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 responses can help you to formulate your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Choose the Right X-Ray Technician College near Chapel Hill NC

Picking the right radiology tech college is an important first step toward beginning a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the greater part of the working day and move and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe 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 doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best possible care to patients. As has been discussed in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are assessing before making your final selection. This is just as true whether you decide on an online school or commute to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can evaluate and compare each college so you can narrow down your choices and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your commitment to be successful, you can reach your goal to practice as a radiology tech in Chapel Hill NC.

Some Background on Chapel Hill North Carolina

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Chapel Hill is a town in Orange and Durham Counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Its population was 57,233 in the 2010 census, making Chapel Hill the 15th-largest city in the state. Chapel Hill, Durham, and the state capital, Raleigh, make up the corners of the Research Triangle (officially the Raleigh–Durham–Chapel Hill combined statistical area), with a total population of 1,998,808.[4]

The town was founded in 1793 and is centered on Franklin Street, covering 21.3 square miles (55 km2). It contains several districts and buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, UNC Health Care, and many murals.

The area was the home place of early settler William Barbee of Middlesex County, Virginia, whose 1753 grant of 585 acres from John Carteret, 2nd Earl Granville was the first of two land grants in what is now the Chapel Hill-Durham area. Though William Barbee died shortly after seeing the first Dukie, one of his eight children, Christopher Barbee, became an important contributor to his father's adopted community and to the fledgling University of North Carolina.

Chapel Hill sits atop a hill which was originally occupied by a small Anglican "chapel of ease", built in 1752, known as New Hope Chapel. The Carolina Inn now occupies the site of the original chapel. In 1819, the town was founded to serve the University of North Carolina and grew up around it. The town was chartered in 1851,[5] and its main street, Franklin Street, was named in memory of Benjamin Franklin.[6][7]

In 1968, only a year after its schools became fully integrated, Chapel Hill became the first predominantly white municipality in the South to elect an African American mayor, Howard Lee.[8] Lee served from 1969 until 1975 and, among other things, helped establish Chapel Hill Transit, the town's bus system. Some 30 years later, in 2002, legislation was passed to make the local buses free of fares to all riders, leading to a large increase in ridership; the buses are financed through Chapel Hill and Carrboro town taxes, federal grants, and UNC student fees. Several hybrid and articulated buses have been added recently. All buses carry GPS transmitters to report their location in real time to a tracking web site. Buses can transport bicycles and have wheelchair lifts.