Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Dudley NC 28333 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Select an Xray Technician College near Dudley North Carolina

Dudley NC x-ray tech internship program Congratulations regarding your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Dudley NC in order to become a radiologic technician. And now that you have decided to enter the gratifying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle selecting the ideal school and program so that you will get the proper training to become a qualified practitioner? And because most states do require that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you subsequently practice you may need training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s important that you research each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. Most students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within driving distance of their homes. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. But while expense and location must be taken into consideration, there are other important qualifiers as well. For example, you should find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These inquiries and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray tech does and the degrees and education options that are offered.

Radiology Technician Job Description

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). 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 utilize imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also provide radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Some choose to practice as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialty, such as mammography. They may practice in Dudley 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 also routinely evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally expected to keep detailed records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Dudley NC medical practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Dudley NC The standard requirement for attending an x-ray tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or equivalent. Radiologic technologist students have the opportunity to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most typical among techs, generally takes 18 months to 2 years to finish based upon the course load and program. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as 4 years to complete and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that are acceptable as well. One thing to keep in mind is that Dudley NC radiographer colleges have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It can often be satisfied by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from any of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing mandates in North Carolina or the state you will be practicing in as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Licensing and Certification

When you have graduated from an X-Ray tech program, based on the state where you will be practicing you might need to become licensed. Most states do require licensing, and their criteria differ so check with your state. Presently, all states that do mandate licensing will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the licensing application, but many accept additional alternatives for testing also. Several states also call for certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is optional. However, numerous Dudley NC employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it might improve your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program calls for graduation from an approved program as well as 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 examination.

Online Radiology Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Dudley 28333 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech schools will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree schools. So while you can still obtain your degree online, a significant portion of the training will be fulfilled either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is usually conducted in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Dudley NC residence. Students who continue working while earning their degree usually find that the online approach to education is far more convenient with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are often less expensive than conventional options. Along with lower tuition, expenses for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just confirm that the online program you select is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the right choice for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Schools

Once you have selected the type of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of looking for and assessing Dudley NC x-ray tech schools. You will also need to decide 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 cost of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be a determining factor also. But along with location and cost, what else should you consider when comparing schools? Well, you should check out if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide externship or internship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Technician Programs Accredited? Most xray technician colleges have earned some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still crucial to verify that the program and school 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). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone 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 education. All accrediting organizations 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 help in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are frequently not offered for non-accredited programs. Accreditation may also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And many Dudley NC health facilities will only hire graduates of an accredited school for entry level positions.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Find out if the North Carolina radiology tech colleges you are evaluating have associations with regional clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific manner to receive hands on experience in a clinical environment, they are additionally a way to satisfy the practical training requirement for most programs. As a secondary benefit, they can assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Dudley NC health care community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the x-ray tech programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Dudley NC healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the college they select will need to be within commuting distance of their Dudley NC home. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online 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 consider is that if you decide to enroll in a college that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges typically 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.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or hide in the crowd, you will undoubtedly want a small class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Dudley NC colleges you are looking at what the typical student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with a few of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology tech program as well.

Can the College Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech college you ultimately select can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you opt to continue working while you attend school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Dudley NC, make sure that they are offered. 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, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

When prepping to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's helpful to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the things that hiring managers frequently ask radiographer candidates is "What made you select radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not only the personal reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what qualities and talents you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will probably be asked questions pertaining primarily to radiography, in addition to a certain number of typical interview questions, so you should ready some strategies about how you want to answer them. Considering there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the talents you have that make you an exceptional X-Ray tech and the best candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but write down several ideas and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the interviewer.

Pick the Ideal Radiology Technician College near Dudley NC

Choosing the right radiology technician college is a crucial first step toward initiating a fulfilling new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs regularly stand for the majority of the workday and position and sometimes lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to observe the safety guidelines designed to protect both the medical team and the patient. X-Ray technicians work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing interpersonal skills is a must in order to have a pleasant work environment and provide the best available patient care. As has been addressed in this article, there are a number of questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing prior to making your final decision. This is similarly true whether you opt for an online program or drive to classes on campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can analyze and compare each school so you can narrow down your options and make your decision. And with the proper training and your dedication to be successful, you can accomplish your goal to practice as a radiographer in Dudley NC.

Some Background on Dudley North Carolina

1969 Greensboro uprising

The 1969 Greensboro uprising occurred on and around the campuses of James B. Dudley High School and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (A&T) in Greensboro, North Carolina, when, over the course of May 21 to May 25, gunfire was exchanged between student protesters, police and National Guard. One student bystander, Willie Grimes, was killed, although whether he was killed by police or protesters remains unknown.

The uprising was sparked by perceived civil rights issues at the segregated high school, when a popular student council write-in presidential candidate was denied his landslide victory allegedly because school officials feared his activism in the Black Power movement. Starting on the campus of Dudley High School, the uprising spread to A&T campus where students had stood up in support of the Dudley protest. Escalating violence eventually led to armed confrontation and the invasion of the A&T campus by what was described at the time as "the most massive armed assault ever made against an American university".[1] The uprising ended soon after the National Guard made a sweep of A&T college dormitories, taking hundreds of students into protective custody.

While local officials blamed outside agitators, a report released by the North Carolina State Advisory Committee to the United States Commission on Civil Rights found that James B. Dudley High School had an unjust system and suppressed dissent. They found the National Guard invasion reckless and disproportionate to the actual danger, and criticized local community leaders for failing to help the Dudley High School students when the issues first emerged. They declared it "a sad commentary that the only group in the community who would take the Dudley students seriously were the students at A&T State University."[2]

Before events began to coalesce in the spring of 1969, the students at James B. Dudley High School were already unhappy. They no longer believed that desegregation of the school system in Greensboro was a possibility.[3] Their school was the only school in the district to place restrictions on student attire or forbid students leaving campus for lunch.[4] But the catalyst for their uprising was their failure to elect a student council president of their choice.[4][5]

Even though he was not permitted on the ballot, the students attempted to place honor student Claude Barnes in the office of president as a write-in.[5][6] A senior, Barnes had been politically active in his earlier years at the school, but was feared by school officials, who believed him a militant advocate of Black Power as a member of the Youth for the Unity of Black Society.[6][7][8] Barnes won the election with 600 votes, a landslide compared to the top official candidate who received 200.[9] But the student body was informed on May 1 that Barnes would not be permitted to run.[6]